Bulls pair to miss Saints clash

growing band of locals to leave for trials in South Afri- ca.
Coach Joey Antipas yesterday confirmed the duo’s departure, but could not disclose their destinations.
The Motor Action gaffer – who is preparing the Premiership log leaders for a tricky tie against Zimbabwe Saints at home on Saturday – said Chitato left on Monday while Musharu was expected to depart yesterday.
The pair, who joined the Mighty Bulls at the beginning of the season, chiefly to prop up the side for their maiden Champions League campaign following the departure of some key players, have so far scored two goals apiece in the new season.
“They are definitely not available for this weekend’s match because we are only expecting them back from next week.
“I’m not sure of their destinations or how long the trials will take but usually it’s one to two weeks,” said Antipas.
The growing demand for Zimbabwean talent in South Africa has seen a number of players making the Great Trek across the Limpopo in recent weeks.
The Gunners’ pair of Qadr Amini and Ashley Rambanapasi also left this week to try their lucky with Orlando Pirates and Platinum Stars.
Youth internationals Denver Mukamba and Simba Sithole were also in South Africa and are waiting for the feedback from Maritzburg United where they spent one week on trials.
Kiglon’s youthful midfielder Ngoni Maviri also left for the same country last week while Dynamos’ Martin Vengesai has a pending date with Orlando Pirates.
But Antipas said the absence of Musharu and Chitato will not affect his side’s quest for maximum points against Chauya Chikwata.
Motor Action, considered by many as the most balanced team in the Premiership, benefited from FC Platinum’s defeat to Gunners yesterday to stay another week on top of the table.
But they will also miss defensive linkman Edward Tembo who is nursing a knee injury.
“Zimbabwe Saints are not pushovers and they demonstrated that by beating Dynamos in their last match.
“So we are making thorough preparations as usual.
“We have to utilise home advantage to the maximum and with everyone else in good shape we hope for a good game,” said Antipas.
Motor Action top the table with 17 points while Saints are battling to find their rhythm in the bottom eight.
Saints, who have experienced mixed fortunes upon their return to the domestic top-flight league this season, go into the match high on confidence following their 1-0 win over Harare giants Dynamos in their last game.
The Bulawayo side, now under the tutelage of Willard Mashinkila-Khumalo, are currently in ninth position on the table after collecting 11 points from three wins and two draws in eight matches.
Another interesting duel is expected when ambitious Zvishavane outfit FC Platinum host impressive fellow Premiership newboys Chicken Inn at Maglas on Saturday.
Platinum will be hoping to rediscover their magic at home after suffering their first defeat of the season at Maglas yesterday.
Third on the table on 16 points, they still have a chance to fight their way to the summit for the first time after missing the opportunity yesterday.
They had won four matches at Maglas prior to the defeat by Gunners and had not dropped a point in front of their home supporters.
Veteran Highlanders’ defender Gift Lunga has been ruled out of the weekend’s tie when the Bulawayo giants resume their traditional rivalry with CAPS United at Barbourfields on Sunday.
Bosso coach Mkupali Masuku said Lunga, who pulled a muscle, and Graham Ncube who limped out of their previous Premiership tie against Blue Ribbon, will miss the match because of injuries.
They will also have to do without their chief marksman Njabulo Ncube, who is out on suspension, after a red card in the last match.
But the youthful coach said he was looking forward to a good game after guiding the side to a good start with 14 points from eight games.
“It’s always exciting every time we play CAPS United probably because of the huge support base these sides command.
“But this is a new game altogether and we are preparing for it,” said Masuku.
“But you cannot take away the fact that CAPS United are very good and have always been great competition.
“They also have a good coach in Moses Chunga. He is a football great in Zimbabwe and they are fortunate to have him for a coach,” said Masuku.
Fixtures
Saturday
FC Platinum v Chicken Inn (Maglas Stadium), Kiglon v Black Mambas (Gwanzura), Monomotapa v Shabanie Mine (Rufaro), Motor Action v Zimbabwe Saints (Motor Action Sports Club)
Sunday
Hwange v Blue Ribbon (Colliery), Highlanders v Caps United (Barbourfields), Masvingo United v Shooting Stars (Mucheke), Dynamos v Gunners (Rufaro)
Wednesday May 25
Zimbabwe Saints v Gunners (Luveve), Shabanie Mine v Dynamos
(Maglas), Shooting Stars v Monomotapa (Gwanzura), Black Mambas v Masvingo United (Morris Depot), Blue Ribbon v Kiglon (Rufaro), CAPS United v Hwange (NSS), Chicken Inn v Highlanders (Barbourfields), Motor Action v FC Platinum (Motor Action Sports Club)
WEEK 11
Saturday, May 28
FC Platinum v Zimbabwe Saints (Maglas), Kiglon v Caps United (Gwanzura), Monomotapa v Black Mambas (Rufaro), Gunners v Shabanie Mine (Lafarge)
Sunday, May 29
Highlanders v Motor Action (Barbourfields), Hwange v Chicken Inn (Colliery), Masvingo v Blue Ribbon (Mucheke), Dynamos v Shooting Stars (Rufaro)