Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) enters Matchday 29 this weekend with Chicken Inn, Bulawayo Chiefs and Highlanders facing contrasting challenges, but all three Bulawayo sides will be looking to collect valuable points as the season enters its decisive stretch.
Chicken Inn headline the Bulawayo contingent when they travel to Wadzanai Stadium to face Simba Bhora on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off, in a match carrying an intriguing coaching subplot.
Simba Bhora are under the guidance of former Chicken Inn coach Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu, while the Gamecocks are coached by Tonderai Ndiraya, who guided Simba Bhora to the Premier Soccer League championship in 2024.
The connections between the two clubs, however, extend beyond the two head coaches.
Simba Bhora also have goalkeeper Energy Murambadoro on their books, with the experienced shot-stopper having previously been part of the Chicken Inn setup.
This familiarity between the Gamecocks and Simba Bhora dugouts adds another interesting layer to a fixture already rich in links between the two camps.
On the Chicken Inn bench, goalkeeper coach Zwanayi Kawadza also brings his own knowledge of the Simba Bhora environment, having previously worked alongside Ndiraya during his time at the Shamva-based club.
It means Saturday’s encounter will feature a number of familiar faces on opposite sides, with both technical camps possessing valuable insight into the methods, strengths and tendencies of their opponents.
Mpofu says Simba Bhora are bracing themselves for a tough encounter, with Chicken Inn expected to arrive in Shamva determined to take something from the game.
“We are bracing for a big battle. It’s going to be a big game, and we know the visitors will be targeting a positive result. We have to be ready for that challenge and make sure we compete from the first whistle.”
Mpofu will be hoping his Simba Bhora charges can put together a complete performance against his former club after blowing hot and cold during the campaign.
Ndiraya, meanwhile, will be looking to make his knowledge of Simba Bhora count as Chicken Inn seek maximum points away from home. The Gamecocks will hope their understanding of the opposition can translate into a disciplined tactical display in Shamva.
On Sunday, Bulawayo Chiefs welcome Triangle United to Luveve Stadium for another 3pm encounter, with the visitors arriving in a desperate fight for Premiership survival.
Triangle are battling relegation and every point has assumed greater importance as the campaign moves towards the business end.
Chiefs will therefore have to guard against complacency against a side whose desperation for points could make them dangerous opponents.
Amakhosi Amahle will want to control the tempo, force Triangle onto the back foot and make their chances count, while the visitors are likely to approach the contest with the urgency that comes with a survival fight.
At Barbourfields Stadium on Saturday, Highlanders face one of the more fascinating assignments of the weekend when they entertain Hardrock FC.
Bosso go into the match in buoyant mood after eliminating MWOS from the Chibuku Super Cup, a result that has given the Bulawayo giants added momentum ahead of their return to league action.
But Hardrock will provide a stern test.
The newcomers are chasing the league title in their maiden season in the top flight, and their impressive campaign has put them firmly among the teams challenging for honours.
Highlanders will therefore have to be at their best against a side with genuine championship ambitions. Hardrock’s hunger for points should make for a competitive encounter at Barbourfields, while Bosso will be keen to carry their cup momentum into the league.
Elsewhere on Saturday, FC Platinum host ZPC Kariba at Mandava Stadium, while MWOS take on Caps United at Ngoni Stadium.
TelOne FC entertain Ngezi Platinum Stars at Ascot Stadium, while FC Hunters host Manica Diamonds at Rufaro Stadium.
Scotland FC and Agama FC round off Saturday’s programme with a 6pm encounter at the National Sports Stadium.
Sunday’s other fixture sees Dynamos host Herentals College at Rufaro Stadium.
With the league entering its decisive stages, the pressure is building across the table. Chicken Inn face an unpredictable Simba Bhora side in a match featuring two coaches with strong connections to the opposition, Chiefs take on a Triangle side fighting for survival, while Highlanders welcome a
Hardrock outfit chasing the championship in their first season among the elite.
For Bulawayo’s big three, Matchday 29 promises three very different battles — but all three are firmly in the thick of it.
MATCHDAY 29 FIXTURES
Saturday, 20 September
Simba Bhora FC v Chicken Inn FC (Wadzanai Stadium, 1500hrs), Highlanders FC v Hardrock FC (Barbourfields Stadium, 1500hrs), FC Platinum v ZPC Kariba (Mandava Stadium, 1500hrs), MWOS FC v Caps United FC (Ngoni Stadium, 1500hrs), TelOne FC v Ngezi Platinum Stars FC (Ascot Stadium, 1500hrs), FC Hunters v Manica Diamonds FC (Rufaro Stadium, 1500hrs), Scotland FC v Agama FC (National Sports Stadium, 1800hrs
Sunday, 21 September
Bulawayo Chiefs FC v Triangle United FC (Luveve Stadium, 1500hrs), Dynamos FC v Herentals College FC (Rufaro Stadium, 1500hrs) — @FungaiMuderere.
