Exorcising the ghost of Mandava

HIGHLANDERS FC, riding the roller-coaster of a memorable 19-game unbeaten streak, faced a reality check last weekend with a 0-2 defeat against FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium. This loss not only exposed their well-hidden vulnerability but also narrowed their lead at the top of the table to a mere two points over second-placed Ngezi Platinum.

For a team that once enjoyed a comfortable seven-point cushion, these developments should raise concerns, especially considering the challenging fixtures in the near future.

Up next on their calendar is a high-stakes showdown against Chicken Inn at the hallowed grounds of Barbourfields Stadium this Sunday, followed by a clash with Dynamos at the same venue the following week. These two matches have the potential to shape the destiny of the title, but Highlanders must first focus on their battle against Chicken Inn.

Derbies, as seasoned football fans know, are a territory of unpredictability, where the team that rises to the occasion seizes the bragging rights. The encounters between Highlanders and Chicken Inn have consistently been a source of excitement and anticipation.

This upcoming match marks the 22nd Premier League derby clash between these two sides. While the aura in the City of Kings and Queens might currently favour Highlanders, the recent track record tilts in favour of the Gamecocks. In their last 20 league encounters, Chicken Inn has emerged victorious in eight instances, while the teams have settled for draws in 10 matches.

Highlanders registered their most commanding victory over Chicken Inn on October 1 in 2017, when they outclassed them with a resounding 4-0 triumph. Chicken Inn’s most significant win over Highlanders came on May 11 in 2018, with a convincing 3-0 scoreline.

Highlanders’ head coach, Baltemer Brito, acknowledges the pivotal role that home fans can play in propelling his team to a vital victory.
At his recent press briefing, Brito expressed his regret for the previous weekend’s loss and called upon the Highlanders faithful to rally behind their team.

“The preparations for the next match come after a defeat to FC Platinum. Unfortunately, last week was not a stable week for us. We missed some training because of the elections but we are not here to be crybabies. We knew that we would go to Platinum in the circumstances that we faced.

Losing there was sad for us of course but it is something that Zimbabweans expected since the beginning of the season. Everyone expected Platinum to be a strong team, everyone expected them to be at the top of the log,” Brito said.

In other matches, FC Platinum will face Bulawayo Chiefs at Luveve Stadium this afternoon. The defending champions will be hoping to build on last weekend’s win over Highlanders and probably start a winning streak.

On the same day, Dynamos will also be in action away to Cranborne Bullets at Nyamhunga Stadium. DeMbare will be hoping to recover from their lethargic outing when they played to a goalless draw against Simba Bhora last weekend.

Match Day 21 fixtures

Tomorrow: Bulawayo Chiefs v Fc Platinum (Luveve), Sheasham v Hwange (Bata), Simba Bhora v Yadah (Baobab), Cranborne Bullets v Dynamos (Nyamhunga), Herentals v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Mandava), Manica Diamonds v GreenFuel (Gibbo)
Sunday: Highlanders v Chicken Inn (Barbourfields), Triangle v ZPC Kariba (Gibbo), Caps United v Black Rhinos (Bata)
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