adminSenior Sports Reporter
FRINGE players from Highlanders FC and FC Platinum are likely to get game time on Sunday when the two sides clash in the semi-final of the Commander ZNA’s Charities Soccer Shield.
This will be the third time that the two clubs clash since the beginning of the year with Bosso winning the pre-season friendly match 1-0 before losing 5-6 in the semi-final of the Independence Cup.
Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu who missed both matches as he was attending a high-level coaching course in the UK said Sunday’s game affords his charges that have not been regulars a chance to shine.
The Bulawayo giants will be without Mthulisi Maphosa, Gabriel Nyoni, Simon Munawa, Welcome Ndiweni, Ozias Zibande and Charles Sibanda who have knocks.
On the nature of his players’ injuries Kaindu said Maphosa is on the road to recovery with Nyoni doing light training alongside Munawa while Sibanda, Zibande and Ndiweni have minor knocks but he would not take the risk of using them.
Bosso will also miss the services of Kudakwashe Mahachi, Milton Ncube, Peter Moyo and Munyaradzi Diya who are with the national team that is preparing for the 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania.
“More than half the team will be missing either due to injuries or national team commitments. The weekend game is a blessing in disguise for us because this is an opportune time for players that have not been regulars to get some game time.
“It will not be an easy game because FC Platinum are a formidable outfit, with lots of quality and depth which we respect but we are going to fight hard for a positive result,” said Kaindu.
In the absence of regulars, Kaindu is likely to give goalkeeper Njabulo “Popo” Nyoni a run ahead of Ariel Sibanda.
Cleopas “Balotteli” Dube and Mgcini Sibanda are likely to be given the responsibility to lead the team’s attack with Rahman Kutsanzira, Valentine Ndaba and Joel Ngodzo coming into the thick of things in midfield.
Khumbulani Banda might come in for Bruce Kangwa on the left side of defence with Dumisani Ndlovu and Innocent Mapuranga playing at central defence.
While Highlanders would like to try their fringe players, FC Platinum coach Lloyd Mutasa is committed to adding another piece of silverware in their trophy cabinet after the Independence Cup.
“Obviously such matches are good especially for guys that we have not been using much or those that are coming out of injuries. However, we are treating the game seriously because we want to win this tournament and build our confidence,” Mutasa said.
Some of FC Platinum’s players who have been nursing injuries and are back at training. These are Allan Gahadzikwa, Aaron Katebe, Obrey Chirwa and goalkeeper Francis Tizayi.
The Moyo twins Elvis and Kevin are also likely to be thrown into the fray alongside striker Njabulo “Tshiki” Ncube.
Midfielder Marshal Mudewe is the only player from FC Platinum who is on national duty.
The winner of the Barbourfields encounter will face either Dynamos or defending champions Caps United in the final at a venue and date yet to be decided.
DeMbare take on Caps United at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday in the other semi-final.
Fixtures
Sunday: Highlanders v FC Platinum (Barbourfields), Dynamos v Caps United (Rufaro)
Online Reporter