Explosive tie at Mucheke as Bosso take on FC Platinum in BancABC quarter-final

Ricky Zililo Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO soccer giants Highlanders begin their quest to land their first major silverware of the season when they take on FC Platinum in a potentially explosive BancABC Sup8r quarter-final match at Mucheke Stadium. The match kicks off at 12:30pm and will be screened live on Supersport.
Bosso, who will be seeking to advance to the next stage of the tournament, have not won the competition which is bankrolled by their sponsors since its inception in 2009. Their best finish was in 2011 when they lost 1-0 to Motor Action in the final.

Kelvin Kaindu, the Highlanders coach said three of his key players – Peter “Rio” Moyo, captain Innocent Mapuranga and Milton Ncube would be subjected to late fitness tests.

Star midfielder Mthulisi Maphosa who picked up an injury during their 1-2 loss to Caps United in a league match last weekend has been ruled out of the game.

Bosso had a training session at the match venue yesterday and according to Kaindu his charges are raring to go.
“The good thing is that we managed to get a feel of the match venue and that has given an insight as to which game plan to use for the match. The state of the playing field I think it’s good for Division One but nevertheless we have to adjust and play to the best of our capabilities.

“The guys are all looking forward to the game and we should be getting a feedback from our doctor about the conditions of some of our injured guys. I am confident they will recover in time for the game,” Kaindu said.

Ex-Gwanda Ramblers’ player Douglas Sibanda and dreadlocked Hillary Madzivanyika are favourites for the anchorman’s role in the absence of Maphosa.

In the event that skipper Mapuranga passes the late fitness test, utility player Eric Mudzingwa could battle it out with Madzivanyika and Sibanda in the holding midfield position.

The battle at Mucheke is likely to be won and lost in midfield where Highlanders’ hopes can be pinned on Masimba Mambare who has had a quiet first half season, Moyo, Heritein Masuku, Knox Mutizwa and Simon Munawa.

Ncube who scored a stunning goal against Caps United last week is competing for a starting place with returnee Ozias Zibande, Cleopas Dube, Beavan Chikaka and Graham Ncube.

FC Platinum’s Tendai Chikuni whose team has been training at Mucheke since Tuesday said they were ready for Highlanders.
“We are ready for the game. We knew the day will come and we will be announcing our final squad in the evening (last evening). Everyone has worked hard and I have confidence that we can sail through,” said Chikuni.

Some of the players expected to lead FC Platinum include midfielders Thabani Kamusoko, Ali Sadiki, Joel Ngodzo, Welcome “Waruwa” Ndiweni and Charles Sibanda who can also play as a striker.

Donald Ngoma and Nelson Maziwisa are expected to lead the platinum miners’ attack while Daniel Vheremu, the Moyo twins Kevin and Elvis, Qadr Amini will form the defence line.

In their last meeting with Highlanders at Mandava, FC Platinum were held to a goalless draw.
Meanwhile, a double header is on the cards at Triangle’s Gibbo Stadium where Monomotapa will lock horns with defending champions Motor Action at 12:30pm tomorrow before Harare giants take on Buffaloes.

Motor Action will be out for revenge as Monomotapa beat them 2-1 in a league match last week. Dynamos are also hoping to knockout Buffaloes who handed them their first league defeat a fortnight ago.

Today: Highlanders v FC Platinum (Mucheke, 12:30pm)
Tomorrow: Monomotapa v Motor Action (Gibbo, 12:30pm), Dynamos v Buffaloes (Gibbo, 3pm)