Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United stand-in captain Richard Hachiro said the Green Machine can defeat Highlanders with the right attitude when the two giants meet in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match of the week at Barbourfields tomorrow.
The Battle of Cities fixture is the peak of Match-day Nine spread between today and tomorrow with this afternoon’s tie between Scottland and MWOS at Ngoni also another potential humdinger.
Makepekepe are flying high, on top of the Premiership log standings with 19 points in eight games.
But they have always found it hard to get a result against Bosso particularly at Barbourfields where they have failed to win since 2015.
With several teams in close pursuit, CAPS United know how delicate the match against Highlanders would be, not least, given that impressive debutants Hardrock could dislodge them from the top after this weekend if the Kwekwe outfit win and Makepekepe lose.
That would be the first time this season that CAPS United would have been dislodged from their perch.
Hardworking midfielder Hachiro is aware of the tough task that awaits them against a Bosso outfit who finally remembered how to win when thumping Chicken Inn 3-1 in a mid-week fixture at Barbourfields.
“Obviously the match against Highlanders away is not one of the easiest for CAPS United.
“In terms of history, Highlanders have dominated the duels and the numbers are so worrying,’’ Hachiro said.
“You also look at the composition of their squad, well, they are a fine team. You can even see from the way they are playing. They are quite a good team.
“But look, statistics do not play football. This match should have been cancelled if it already had a result.
“The fact that it’s on this Sunday means it has to be contested for.
“As players, we have talked about it at length. We have challenged each other to rise to the occasion, to step to the party and deliver.
“Look, Highlanders haven’t been beaten this season and their recent win over Chicken Inn has added to their confidence.
“But we will step up and be able to get the result if go there with the right attitude.”
Hachiro added that Makepekepe are buoyed by the fact that they are leading the standings.
“Naturally as log leaders, we have that feel good mentality and the confidence going into the game against Highlanders.
“We have the momentum, we are on top of the log and we have a capable team as well.
“I have previously played for Chicken Inn in Bulawayo and I know the atmosphere at Barbourfields when Highlanders are playing.
“It’s so electric so to speak. But we have players who know what’s required and what the team demands. We are ready for it,” he said.
