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Innocent Kurira in BULAWAYO
MANICA Diamonds will be missing three of their key players when they host Highlanders at Sakubva on Sunday in Match Day 30 of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
The fixture is one of the biggest games of the weekend as local football action returns after the international break.
Coach Jairos Tapera remains confident despite missing three key players.
“We are ready for the game. I believe we have prepared well.
“Our target as the season’s end approaches is to get as many points as possible in the remaining games, starting with a victory against Highlanders.
“The unfortunate part is we will miss some of our regular players in Tawanda Chisi and Trevor Mavhunga, who are both injured.
“Goalkeeper Tedious Baye is not feeling well and will not play in this game. Obviously, it becomes a disadvantage when you miss your key players but we have to do with those available.
“This is also an opportunity for some of the players in the squad to show what they can offer us.”
The reverse fixture at Barbourfields ended in a 1-1 draw.
Brighton Ncube scored for Bosso while Tawanda Machope netted for Manica Diamonds.
Manica Diamonds and Highlanders are tied on 44 points, with Bosso in third place due to a superior goal difference.
Champions-in-waiting Simba Bhora (60 points) lead second-placed FC Platinum by nine points.
Simba Bhora are eying their maiden league title in this campaign and are favourites to win it.
They will be traveling to the capital to face Herentals at Rufaro on Saturday.
FC Platinum will welcome Yadah at Mandava.
Fixtures
Saturday: Bikita Minerals vs Green Fuel, Sakubva, ZPC Kariba vs Hwange (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum vs Yadah (Mandava), Herentals vs Simba Bhora (Rufaro), Chicken Inn vs TelOne (Luveve), Ngezi Platinum Stars vs Chegutu Pirates (Baobab)
Sunday: Manica Diamonds vs Highlanders (Sakubva), Arenel Movers vs Dynamos (Barbourfields), CAPS United vs Bulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro)
Online Reporter