adminBukhosi Mangena Sports Correspondent
HIGHLANDERS coach Bongani Mafu was in bullish mood ahead of today’s Castle Lager Premiership tie against FC Platinum at Barbourfields Stadium following his team’s emphatic win against How Mine on Sunday.
Exciting forward Knox Mutizwa was the architect of that Bosso’s big victory with a hat-trick in a sumptuous display that blew away the gold miners 5-1.
From the onset, Bosso played with pace, intent and authority and Mafu said FC Platinum would pick up pieces should his charges repeat Sunday’s performance.
Mafu branded the platinum miners’ style of play an eyesore, which left him wondering how the Zvishavane side managed to grind good results, particularly against Bosso.
He said he watched FC Platinum overcoming Hwange 2-0 last Saturday and was not impressed with their style of play.
“I watched them play over the weekend and they were appalling and pathetic. I wonder how such teams play very well whenever they face us. They’re an experienced side but we’ll play our own type of football and hope for a better result,” said Mafu.
He will be hoping that Mutizwa, who was voted player of the month for June and July, can replicate the form that saw him grab a hat-trick against How Mine.
Bosso and FC Platinum drew 2-2 in their first encounter at Mandava Stadium about three months ago in a game that courted controversy after the visitors felt they had a genuine goal incorrectly ruled out for offside. Highlanders would have claimed maximum points had that goal stood.
The platinum miners are fourth on the league table with 31 points from 18 matches, while Bosso are eighth with 25 points.
However, FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza refused to be drawn into Mafu’s mind games saying their play would do the talking on the field.
“That’s his opinion. He said what he wanted to say, but I wasn’t there to hear him, so I can’t say anything about that. All I can say is that our play and the result at the end of the game will do the talking for us,” said Mapeza.
“We’ll not change our game and will go there targeting a positive result. We know they’re a good team, but we aren’t going to have any special preparation because they’re just like any other team.”
Bosso will be without exciting left back Bruce Kangwa through suspension for accumulating three yellow cards, while the platinum miners have no suspension worries.
Online Reporter