Chronicle Editor
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
IT’S going to be a clash of the undefeated Group B sides when Highlanders and Chicken Inn meet in the Chibuku Super Cup at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow.
Chicken Inn however top the standings with 10 points, two ahead of Amahlolanyama who surrendered their slim lead against Bulawayo Chiefs on Thursday while the Gamecocks chocked up a 2,0 lead over an otherwise impressive Bulawayo City.
Joe Antipas’ charges became the first side from the group to confirm their quarterfinal participation. The Gamecocks, according to Antipas, are coming into the game under no pressure at all since they have already qualified.
“We are on top and we have qualified for the quarter finals which is good for us as we are no longer under pressure.
We, however look forward to a good game as our encounters against Bosso are always thrillers,” said Antipas.
Although Bosso havent qualified in practical terms, on paper they are through unless Chiefs perform a Houdini act and not only score an incredible six goals in the last two matches but emerge winners as well while Bosso not only fail to score but must not win or draw in any of the two games.
Mandla Lulu Mpofu, the Highlanders gaffer yesterday said they are not looking at qualifying only but need to top the group in order to remain at Emagumeni for the quarter final.
“We must top our group so that we remain at Barbourfields Stadium for the quarter final, the last two games are must wins for us. Yes the overall objective is to seal qualification but staying at Barbourfields is what we want hence all we want now is nothing but maximum points beginning with the game on Sunday,” said Mpofu.
He concurred that they should have confirmed qualification on Thursday but fatigue was their enemy.
“Look, we were on fire in the first 45 minutes and we should have wrapped up the game had we buried our chances.In the second half we lost steam, fitness levels are not yet perfect, remember we were out for eight weeks only to train for 11 days. We are not giving excuses but just stating facts,” said Mpofu.
He said for tomorrow’s game, he was likely going to rest some of his lads who did duty on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Highlanders have allayed fears that they could be found in breach of their contractual arrangement with principal sponsor Sakunda Holdings and partner Utande after they wore unbranded kits in their Chibuku Super Cup encounter against Bulawayo Chiefs on Thursday.
“Branding is being done in collaboration with our main sponsors. Its work in progress, no contract breach fears,” said club spokesperson Ronald Moyo.
Group B standing
P W D L F A GD Pts
Chicken Inn 4 3 1 0 6 0 6 10
Highlanders 4 2 2 0 3 1 2 8
Byo Chiefs 4 0 2 2 3 6 -3 2
Byo City 4 0 1 3 2 7 -5 1
Chibuku Super Cup weekend fixtures
Saturday
ZPC (Kariba) v Dynamos (NSS, 11am)
Cranborne Bullets v Black Rhinos (Sakubva, 11am)
FC Platinum v Triangle United (Mandava, 1pm)
Sunday
Caps United v Herentals (Baobab, 11am)
Yadah v Harare City (Baobab, 3pm)
Whawha v Ngezi Platinum (Mandava, 11am)
Byo Chiefs v Byo City (Barbourfields, 11am)
Manica Diamonds v Tenax (Sakubva, 1pm)
Highlanders v Chicken Inn (Barbourfields, 3pm)
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