Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira [email protected]
THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League enters another decisive weekend, with Bulawayo’s two top-flight clubs facing very different but equally demanding assignments. Today, Bulawayo Chiefs welcome in-form CAPS United to Luveve Stadium, knowing a positive result could provide a major boost in their quest to climb up the table. Tomorrow, attention shifts to Barbourfields Stadium, where Highlanders face a stern challenge against one of the season’s surprise packages, Herentals College.
With the campaign moving into its final stretch, every point matters. Teams chasing honours, those fighting for top-eight finishes and clubs looking over their shoulders at the lower end of the table are all entering a period where mistakes can prove costly.
For Chiefs, the task is clear. They must find a way to stop a CAPS United side that has quietly put together a strong season and remains firmly in the hunt near the top end of the standings.
Makepekepe arrive in Bulawayo sitting sixth on the table with 42 points from 26 matches, while Chiefs are 12th on 30 points. On paper, the visitors may start as favourites, but Chiefs coach John
Nyikadzino believes league positions will mean very little once the match gets underway.
“We are ready for the game. We are playing an in-form side and we have a lot of respect for CAPS United because of the quality they have and the way they have been performing. But we are Bulawayo Chiefs and playing at home gives us confidence that we can get a positive result. We know it will not be easy, but we have prepared well and we want to improve our position on the league table,” said Nyikadzino.
Chiefs have shown on several occasions this season that they are capable of troubling bigger and more fancied opponents, particularly at home. They will be hoping that familiarity with Luveve Stadium and support from their fans can help them rise to the occasion once again.
However, CAPS United have their own ambitions. With the leading teams still within reach, Makepekepe know that victory in Bulawayo would strengthen their push for a strong finish to the season.
That means Chiefs must be disciplined and focused from the first whistle. Any lapse in concentration against a confident CAPS United side could prove costly.
If the hosts can settle quickly and dictate the pace of the game, they stand a good chance of causing an upset. But if CAPS United are allowed time and space to play their football, they could make life extremely difficult for the home side.
While Chiefs are in action today, Highlanders must wait until tomorrow for what promises to be another intriguing encounter.
Bosso host fourth-placed Herentals at Barbourfields Stadium in a match that could have a significant impact on both teams’ ambitions this season.
Herentals have emerged as one of the league’s most consistent sides and travel to Bulawayo sitting fourth on 45 points. Highlanders, meanwhile, are seventh on 38 points and remain eager to close the gap on the teams above them. Despite the intimidating atmosphere often created by the Barbourfields crowd, Herentals coach Paul Benza says his players have enough experience to handle the occasion.
“Our team is now seasoned and this gives our players the advantage of not panicking against a team with big crowds,” said Benza.
Even so, he acknowledges that Highlanders become a different proposition when playing in front of their home supporters.
“Every team in the league is difficult to beat, home or away, and Highlanders being at home becomes more dangerous,” said Benza.
The Herentals coach believes even a draw would be a respectable outcome away from home.
“We always play our usual game, giving everyone a chance to play, and playing away we know getting a point will be good, especially against a big side like Highlanders,” he said.
Bosso go into the match looking for a response after being held to a 1-1 draw by city rivals Chicken Inn in Wednesday’s league derby.
That result came just days after Highlanders had eliminated the Gamecocks from the Chibuku Super Cup in dramatic fashion. Goalkeeper Aron Ngwenya emerged as the hero on that occasion, producing two crucial penalty saves to send Bosso through to the next round.
The cup triumph was made even more impressive by the challenges Highlanders had faced during the week. Players had temporarily stopped training over salary concerns, while coach Benjani Mwaruwari was also dealing with health issues.
Despite those distractions, Highlanders continued to compete and showed the fighting spirit that has become a hallmark of the club.
The challenge now is to convert that resilience into league points.
Benza expects his side to come under pressure at some stage and says defensive discipline will be essential if Herentals are to leave Bulawayo with a positive result.
“Discipline in defence is key and we always try not to make mistakes,” he said. As the league season enters a crucial phase, both Bulawayo clubs face important tests.
Chiefs must find a way to halt a confident CAPS United side and use home advantage to climb the standings. Highlanders, meanwhile, will look to harness the energy of the Barbourfields crowd as they attempt to overcome a Herentals team that has shown no fear against the league’s traditional giants.
For both clubs, the margin for error is becoming increasingly small. The business end of the season has arrived, and every point could make the difference between success and disappointment.
Fixtures
Today: MWOS vs ZPC Kariba (Ngoni), FC Platinum vs Agama (Mandava), Simba Bhora vs Scottland (Wadzanayi), FC Hunters v Hardrock (Rufaro), Bulawayo Chiefs vs CAPS United (Luveve), TelOne vs Triangle (Ascot)
Tomorrow: Manica Diamonds vs Ngezi Platinum Stars (Sakubva), Highlanders vs Herentals (Barbourfields), Dynamos vs Chicken Inn (Rufaro).
Blessing Chizhande