Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
FC HUNTERS coach Nersbert Saruchera is ready to give his young players an opportunity to prove themselves when they face Highlanders at Rufaro Stadium tomorrow afternoon, with the hosts anticipating an entertaining Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter.
Saruchera believes the match will provide valuable experience for his youngsters against one of Zimbabwe’s traditional football giants, but insists his team will not abandon its usual approach because of the opposition’s reputation.
“It’s not going to be easy. Those traditional big teams can do anything on any good day,” said Saruchera.
“We are going to be giving most of our young boys a chance to see what they can do. We don’t normally change the way we play considering who is coming, but I know Highlanders fans will come in their numbers, our fans as well, so I think we can promise an entertaining game of football.”
The Hunters coach expects the occasion to attract considerable support, with Highlanders renowned for travelling in numbers to support their team. He is equally hopeful that the home side’s followers will turn up in force to create an atmosphere befitting the encounter.
Despite the challenge posed by Highlanders, Saruchera appears determined to use the fixture to assess his younger players while maintaining the team’s identity and style of play.
The match also presents an opportunity for Hunters to improve their position on the league standings as the season approaches its conclusion. Hunters occupy 12th position with 37 points from 31 matches, while Highlanders are eighth on 43 points.
The six-point difference gives Hunters an incentive to push for maximum points as they seek to close the gap on their opponents and climb the standings.
Hunters have registered eight wins, 13 draws and 10 defeats, scoring 27 goals and conceding 36. Their goal difference stands at minus nine, highlighting the defensive challenges they have faced throughout the campaign.
Highlanders, meanwhile, have collected nine wins, 16 draws and six defeats. They have scored 26 goals and conceded 22, giving them a positive goal difference of four.
Bosso’s 16 draws are the highest in the division, a statistic that underlines their difficulty in converting shared points into victories. They will be eager to avoid another stalemate as they seek to consolidate their place in the top eight.
The Bulawayo giants also face pressure from the teams below them, with Chicken Inn ninth on 42 points, just one behind Highlanders, although they have played a game fewer.
For Hunters, the challenge will be to translate Saruchera’s confidence into a strong performance against opponents who have conceded fewer goals this season.
The coach’s willingness to trust young players could add an interesting dimension to the contest, particularly if they respond positively to the occasion.
With both sides having points to fight for, the Rufaro encounter offers Hunters an opportunity to make a statement while Highlanders will be determined to maintain their position among the league’s top eight.
