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The Bulawayo and Harare giants Bosso and DeMbare will be clashing for the first time in the Bob Super Cup final since its inception three years ago.
The final is likely to trigger yesteryear memories from both teams’ set of fans who used to watch the country’s traditional giants clash in the season opening Dairibord Charity Shield at the beginning of the millennium.
Highlanders and Dynamos will also use the Bob Super Cup and the Mamelodi Sundowns friendly matches to assess their squads ahead of the 2013 season kickoff.
In an interview yesterday, Highlanders’ gaffer Kelvin Kaindu said they were excited to be part of President Mugabe’s celebrations and they would be using the games to assess their players ahead of the season start.
“We really appreciate the honour of playing in President Mugabe’s Cup and to me it shows that the President himself wants to see the sport grow and that is why big teams like Highlanders and Dynamos have been selected to play in this tournament. All the matches that Highlanders and Dynamos play in are always top-drawer encounters ones not to be missed. Whether there is money or not, you are assured of some good football when the two clash.
“We also appreciate the sponsorship and the monetary value attached to the game and we are very much looking forward to the games. Unfortunately, they come at a time when we have just started preparing for the season but I am sure with the calibre of players I have who are dedicated, we will hold our own,” said Kaindu.
Highlanders started their pre-season training on 7 January with the players working on their fitness.
Kaindu said yesterday was their second day doing ball-work at Fairbridge grounds.
The Zambian expatriate said the Mamelodi Sundowns match will give him a clear picture of his squad.
“The players have shown great commitment. Mamelodi Sundowns have been preparing for the Zimbabwe tour and I’m sure the game will be tough but we just have to fight.
“We only have this week and a bit of next week to prepare for the game because we only got a ground to do ball work on Monday,” said Kaindu.
Highlanders have retained last year’s squad with former Lancashire Steel and Motor Action winger Fortune “Fokoza” Ncube and lanky striker Thabani Moyo formerly with Bantu Rovers who also had stints in Cyprus being notable faces that are trying their luck at Bosso.
Bosso players from last season who have been attending training sessions include skipper Innocent Mapuranga, the club’s 2012 Players Player of the Year Eric Mudzingwa, national team goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda who won the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year accolade, Lawson Nkomo and Bruce Tshuma.
Castle Lager 2012 Soccer Star of the Year finalists Masimba Mambare and Mthulisi Maphosa, Bhekimpilo Ncube, Peter “Rio” Moyo, Milton Ncube, Heritein Masuku, Graham Ncube and Young Warriors’ Knox Mutizwa are some of the players working under Kaindu.
Online Reporter