admin
Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
LOG leaders Highlanders have vowed to spring back from the midweek disappointment when they resume their rivalry with defending champions Dynamos at Barbourfields tomorrow.
The Bulawayo giants, who appear to be running out of steam at this crucial stage of the race, suffered a big setback when they lost 0-1 to Black Rhinos at Rimuka on Wednesday.
Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu told the Herald yesterday that his side’s spirits will not be crushed by the recent poor run of form.
Kaindu’s men still lead the race despite dropping seven points in their last three outings.
“It’s true we have lost some points of late but what is important is to focus on our next assignment,” said Kaindu.
“The game that we lost is something that we should put behind us.
“We have to find ways of getting up from the disappointment.”
Kaindu is expecting to have all his men available for the game following the recovery of Rahman Kutsanzira and Simon Munawa, who have since been training with the team.
However, Bosso appear to have lost the form which gave them an edge over their opponents during the first half of the season, with the departure of influential players Milton Ncube, Peter Moyo, Kuda Mahachi and Khumbulani Banda. Dynamos coach Callisto Pasuwa said they will not invest their trust in the records.
The coach said they have been weighed down by injuries and will be praying for the availability of their hard-working link-man Stephen Alimenda, who picked a knock in the tie against Black Rhinos last Sunday. Leftback Ocean Mushure is also expected to make the trip to Bulawayo after two weeks on the sidelines due to injury.
But there appears to be no good news for striker Anesu Gondo, who is also battling to regain full fitness.
Blessing Moyo is expected to reclaim his place in the starting line-up after sitting out the last match due to suspension for accumulating three yellow cards.
“There were so many changes in the team (that played against Chicken Inn).
“So I think it’s match fitness that was lacking to some of the guys who haven’t been playing of late.
“We also have some players who are injured, like Stephen Alimenda, who picked a knock in Kadoma, and we have to hear from the doctors,” said Pasuwa.
Surprise packages ZPC Kariba, who are unbeaten in 18 outings, will return to their adopted Gwanzura home ground tomorrow when they host Shabanie Mine. Harare City will be back home tomorrow when they host Chapungu at Rufaro as they intensify the battle for survival under interim coach Masimba Dinyero.
Fixtures
Tomorrow
Highlanders v Dynamos (Barbourfields, SS), Buffaloes v Bantu Rovers (Sakubva), Harare City v Chapungu (Rufaro), Triangle United v Black Rhinos (Gibbo), ZPC Kariba v Shabanie Mine (Gwanzura), FC Platinum v How Mine (Mandava)
Sunday
CAPS Utd v Chiredzi (Rufaro), Chicken Inn v Hwange (Luveve, SS).
Online Reporter