Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE stage is set for Try Ncube to secure his maiden win as Highlanders’ interim head coach this Sunday, as his side faces rock-bottom Kwekwe United at Bata Stadium.
Ncube’s tenure began with a narrow 1-0 defeat to league leaders MWOS last week, adding pressure to the inconsistent Bulawayo giants.
Kwekwe United, however, are in far deeper trouble. Their president, Phil Makekera, stepped down this week, citing family reasons. Since their promotion, the club has been plagued by financial woes, with players protesting unpaid wages — even failing to honour a fixture in April.
They now sit at the foot of the table with just eight points from 18 matches, staring relegation in the face.
Despite their opponents’ plight, Ncube’s focus is firmly on three points.
“We take one game at a time, and the match in front of us is Kwekwe United away from home. We’re not dwelling on the past. We go there on Sunday aiming to collect maximum points.
We need a result. We can’t count points before playing the game. The boys are motivated,” said Ncube.
The Bosso coach, who took over after Kelvin Kaindu’s dismissal, also revealed plans to bolster the squad, hinting at player departures.
“We’re looking to bring in one or two forward players and perhaps an attacking creative midfielder. Naturally, when new players come in, some will have to make way,” he explained.
Ncube confirmed three players — Raphael Pitisi, Junior Mafios Chihweta, and Malvin Hativagoni — are sidelined with injuries.
Elsewhere in match-week 19, MWOS host Bikita Minerals on Saturday, while Simba Bhora welcome ZPC Kariba. Dynamos play Herentals College, and GreenFuel face Ngezi Platinum Stars. Chicken Inn are at home to Yadah. The FC Platinum vs Manica Diamonds fixture has been postponed following the tragic death of midfielder Brian Banda. On Sunday, in addition to the Highlanders clash, Triangle host TelOne, and Scottland face CAPS United at Rufaro Stadium.
A moment of silence will be observed across all weekend matches in honour of the late Brian Banda, who was 29.
Fixtures:
Today:
GreenFuel vs Ngezi Platinum Stars (GreenFuel Arena), MWOS vs Bikita Minerals (Ngoni Stadium), Chicken Inn vs Yadah (Luveve Stadium), Manica Diamonds vs FC Platinum (Postponed), Simba Bhora vs Dynamos (Wadzanayi Stadium), Dynamos vs Herentals College (Rufaro Stadium)
Sunday:
Triangle United vs TelOne (Gibbo Stadium), Scottland vs CAPS United (Rufaro Stadium), Kwekwe United vs Highlanders (Bata Stadium). — @innocentskizoe
