Online ReporterFungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
UNITED States-based Warriors defender Teenage Hadebe has thrown down the gauntlet to his former club Highlanders, urging them to tighten their focus in the dying stages of matches if they are to stay in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title hunt.
Hadebe, who once donned the black-and-white stripe of Bosso before stints with Chicken Inn and Bantu Rovers, expressed concern over Highlanders’ repeated habit of conceding late goals — a flaw that has cost them vital points.
“I’ve noticed that Highlanders have been conceding late goals. It’s a trend that has denied them maximum points on at least three occasions,” said Hadebe. “There’s a need for them to work on their last-minute concentration levels. I understand they are still rebuilding and getting to know each other, but this is something they must fix fast.”
His remarks come as Bosso prepare for a tricky Week Five clash away to Triangle United at Gibbo Stadium this afternoon.
Just last weekend, Bosso were left stunned after conceding a last-gasp equaliser against new boys Scottland FC — this after taking the lead in the 80th minute. Before that, they squandered a 2-0 lead against GreenFuel, allowing two late goals in dramatic fashion.
Bosso head coach Kelvin Kaindu admitted complacency has crept in and warned his charges to be alert when they face Triangle, who are desperate for their first win of the season.
“They will be playing at their traditional home ground, and even though they’ve had a slow start, we must not go there relaxed,” said Kaindu. “We need to play the kind of football we want to play, stay switched on, and be disciplined.”
Kaindu, who previously coached Triangle and How Mine, also revealed that key players Never Rauzhi and Talent Dube were undergoing late fitness tests following knocks sustained against Scottland.
“We hope they’ll be fit for the match. The medical team has been working around the clock, and the signs are encouraging,” Kaindu said.
Triangle, under veteran coach Luke “Doctor” Masomere, are winless in four starts and will be banking on home advantage to kickstart their campaign.
Bosso, meanwhile, are under pressure to register their first away win of the season and keep pace with early pacesetters.
In other news, TelOne striker Washington Navaya has been named March Player of the Month, while Ngezi Platinum Stars head coach Takesure Chiragwi scooped the Coach of the Month accolade.
derick.khumalo