adminIt is a David and Goliath affair at Barbourfields Stadium today when high-riding Highlanders play host to relegation threatened Blue Rangers with refurbished Dulibadzimu Stadium playing host to Monomotapa and Hardbody while Caps United will take on Motor Action in Bindura.
Highlanders seem to be losing steam even though they have gone for 21 league matches without a loss while Blue Rangers are ascending following the arrival of coach Patson Ndabambi.
The Bosso gaffer Kelvin Kaindu said he was expecting a much improved performance from his charges who put up a drab show during the midweek’s goalless draw with Chicken Inn.
“The boys were down after the midweek game because they knew that they did not perform to the best of their abilities but they have been working hard at training.
“Our midfield did not click but I am sure they are going to put an improved show against Blue Rangers.
“It’s a cup game and there won’t be a draw. It will be a tough game but I am sure something positive will come out from this encounter,” said Kaindu.
Highlanders will still be without injured players Masimba Mambare, Bruce Tshuma and Ozias Zibande.
In their last few games, the Highlanders’ midfield has been exposed defensively, being kept back-pedalling because of a poor show by their ball winners.
Mthulisi Maphosa is good at mopping up loose balls while Peter “Rio” Moyo, Milton Ncube, Bhekimpilo Ncube and Simon Munawa have been struggling to win balls or even to make use of them when in possession.
Eric Mudzingwa could do well to partner Maphosa in a double anchor role, with Innocent Mapuranga at the heart of defence with Dumisani “Fazo” Ndlovu with Atlast Musasa and Bruce Kangwa playing as wingbacks.
Being a cup game, unheralded striker Cleopas Dube might start ahead of Graham Ncube who has not been scoring with Beavan Chikaka also getting the nod ahead of Graham.
Chikaka and Dube are bigger strikers and can challenge the big boys in defence and make use of aerial balls, a Bosso weakness exposed so many times and brought to the fore in Wednesday’s deplorable performance against Chicken Inn.
From as early as the seventh league game, it became apparent that Highlanders need an outright striker and dutifully in the second transfer-window big Dube was bought by Highlanders from ZPC Hwange. He had been scoring regularly for the power utility team and Kujatana FC.
Last year, Zimbabwe Saints eliminated Bosso in the first round and hopes are high among Highlanders’ faithful that their team will progress to the next round.
Blue Rangers who left with bruises in their last visit to Barbourfields will not be pushovers and they will bank on the likes of goalkeeper Pedzisai Gumiremhete, Scholar Hadebe, McDonald Motsi and Phillip Nelson.
Blue Rangers will miss midfielder Hillary Chombe.
“We are more than ready for Highlanders and we are well prepared for the game. We are looking forward to a good game,” said Ndabambi.
Blue Rangers arrived yesterday afternoon and had a light training session at Hartsfield Stadium.
Another Bulawayo club that bowed out in last year’s first round, Chicken Inn, are wary of their opponents Gunners who they meet at Phelandaba tomorrow.
“Obviously this is a must-win encounter for us and we do not want to repeat what happened last year.
“Gunners are a good side and we respect them a lot but we are going to do our best to make sure that we get a positive result,” said Chicken Inn’s assistant coach Mandla Mpofu.
Gunners are under the tutelage of Moses Chunga and are swimming in murky waters.
They will not go down without a fight and since they are now fighting for their survival in the league, they will want to do better in the Mbada Diamonds Cup.
So, Chicken should brace for a tough game.
Players expected to carry the day for Chicken Inn are Kudakwashe Mahachi, dreadlocked Felix Chindungwe, Evans Chikwaikwai, Thabani Goredema, Guide Goddard and Tendai Ndoro.
Fixtures
Today: Highlanders v Blue Rangers (Barbourfields Stadium), Monomotapa v Hardbody (Dulibadzimu), Motor Action v Caps United (Trojan), FC Platinum v Harare City (Nyamhunga)
Tomorrow: Dynamos v Quelaton (Rufaro), Chicken Inn v Gunners (Phelandaba), Buffaloes v Black Mambas (Sakubva), Shabanie Mine v Hwange (Maglas)
Online Reporter