Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS return to Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon, desperate to arrest a worrying slide and restore belief among their restless fans, when they take on an equally troubled GreenFuel in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League showdown that could shape both teams’ seasons.
It’s been three matches without a win, three matches without a goal and there is growing uncertainty under interim coach, Try Ncube. Since taking over from Kelvin Kaindu, Ncube is yet to celebrate either a goal or a victory and Emagumeni is no longer the fortress it once was.
Bosso now sit ninth on the table with 24 points.
Another poor result could further derail a campaign that, not long ago, looked promising. The club’s hierarchy is already making moves in the mid-season transfer window, searching for reinforcements to spark life into a stuttering season.
“We’ve been working hard in training to fix our attacking play,” said Ncube.
“Now it’s time to show it on the pitch.”
This afternoon, however, they’ll face a GreenFuel side buzzing with new belief and backed by three experienced additions. Rodwell Chinyengetere, Blessing Kagudu and Harrison Masina have all joined the club, adding steel and star power to a side that’s slowly finding its feet.
Chinyengetere arrives as a free agent after parting ways with CAPS United. Kagudu makes the switch from Bikita Minerals, while Masina’s headline grabbing move from defending champions Simba Bhora, is being seen as a major coup for the Chisumbanje based side.
All three are expected to feature today.
GreenFuel sit 13th with 20 points, just four behind Bosso and know that a win would not only lift them up the table but dent a traditional giant in the process.
Their coach, Rodwell Dhlakama knows exactly what it takes to win at Barbourfields and he’s approaching the clash with quiet confidence.
“It’s always tough playing away, especially in Bulawayo. Bosso are known for their passionate fans,” said Dhlakama.
“We’ll need to stay focused, play to our strengths and be tactically smart. Highlanders are a formidable team, but we believe we can get a result.”
Despite the challenge, the Greenfuel boss says his side is up for it.
“We’ll work hard, stay disciplined and aim for a positive result,” he added.
Highlanders, meanwhile, will be hoping the return of midfielder Mafios Junior Chihweta offers a boost, especially with Blessing Muvuti and Archford Faira unavailable. The side will also miss Melikhaya Ncube and Talent Dube, who are both suspended for this tie.
