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Peter Phiri Sports Correspondent
WINNERS of the Highlanders FC and Black Rhinos Commander Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Charities Match at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday will pocket $6 000. The charity match carries prizemoney of $10 000 which will see the losers receiving $4 000.
It is a fundraising match for the five ZNA charities which are Tsanga Lodge Convalescent Centre which is in Nyanga, Army Widows and Orphans Benevolent Fund which caters for financial needs of widows, widowers and orphans of deceased members.
There is also the ZNA Benevolent Fund which aims at boosting troops’ morale internally or externally, ZNA Schools Welfare Trust Fund which caters for the various schools that fall under the military and finally ZNA Patients Welfare Fund which offers assistance and goodies to members admitted in hospitals and those ill at home.
The guest of honour will be the Commander of the ZNA Valerio Sibanda.
Highlanders chairman Peter Dube said they are taking the match seriously and will be out to rekindle their past explosive battles with the army side.
He pointed out that the match also presents his team with an opportunity to fine tune ahead of their mid week league game against Chicken Inn next week.
‘‘This match is for a noble cause and we feel honoured to participate in such a match. We have had some exciting and explosive games against Black Rhinos in the past and we would like to rekindle those glory days. I remember Black Rhinos had some great players like Stanley Ndunduma, Stix M’tizwa, Maronga Nyangela and Jimmy Mbewe. They were such a very competitive side who played brilliant football. We are expecting a good game from Black Rhinos,’’ he said.
Dube warned Black Rhinos that they will be out in full force since they cannot afford to lose as the match would offer Bosso the chance to shape up.
‘‘Besides honouring the cause of this match, the game will give us the chance to shape up after the break. We don’t want to lose and so we promise the fans who will watch the soccer match at Emagumeni some entertaining football which will keep them at the edge of their seats,’’ said Dube.
Asked if Bosso will field a full strength side, Dube said it is up to the technical team to decide but they will be out to win by playing entertaining football.
‘‘The technical team will decide who to play and who ever is chosen will give their best because we take every game seriously and fans must come in their thousands to see some great football on display,’’ said Dube.
The last time the teams met Highlanders won 3-1 in one of the most competitive matches watched at Barbourfields Stadium. However Rhinos have not been able to replicate that form and have fired coach Nesbert ‘Yabo’ Saruchera and replaced him with Division One football specialist Arthur Tutani.
The charity’s public relations officer Captain Richard Mhizha said they were expecting a good game against one of the most supported and biggest teams in the country.
‘‘It is going to be a great match since Highlanders are on top of their game at the moment. Playing them at their own fortress of Barbourfields is a great experience. Highlanders are one of the most supported and biggest teams in the country and they would like to continue from where they left before the break,’’ said Mhizha.
Black Rhinos who are now coached by veteran coach Tutani would like to use the match to try new combinations after poor results i n the last games.
‘‘Obviously this match will us give the chance to try new players before the second transfer window opens. So our boys would like to prove a thing or two to Highlanders which makes it a very tough game for both teams,’’ said Mhizha.
By playing Highlanders Mhizha said they were spreading the game of football to all corners of the country.
‘‘This charity is about spreading not only football but every sporting discipline throughout the country,’’ he said.
The game could present both sets of teams a chance to try out mid season targets.
The charity also covers sports such as golf and horse racing among others.
For rest of ground fans will pay $2 while grand stand fans will fork $5 and $10 for the VIP.
Online Reporter