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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
GIANTS Highlanders have not had a lot of luck with the lucrative Mbada Diamonds Cup in the tournament’s brief history but their weekend clash with Buffaloes hold the key to a promising campaign this year. Bosso, who only managed to go as far as the quarter-finals in the last two editions, have a tricky path to negotiate as they seek a change of fortunes against the unpredictable army side at Mucheke on Sunday.
But they will have to demonstrate that they took to heart lessons learnt from last year’s disappointment when they gave away a 2-0 advantage to lose 3-2 to Monomotapa at the Colliery, at the same stage.
They had fared even worse the previous season, when they crashed out at the first round after losing 6-5 to Zimbabwe Saints in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regulation time.
However, Bosso coach Kelvin Kaindu yesterday said everything should change this time as they aim for the big prize of US$130 000.
Sponsors have increased the stakes this year to ensure the tournament remains the biggest paying competition on the domestic football scene.
“Indeed, we drew some valuable lessons from our performance in the first two editions and now we should demonstrate that we learnt something.
“This is a Cup that everyone wants to win and I think it’s important for us to win it if we are to look at where we are coming from financially. We need the money badly just like any other team, so it looks like it won’t be easy as well.
“But judging by the way we played in the first round I think we have good chances this year, if we can take it up from there. Right now the spirits are high and everyone wants to play a part. We can only hope for the best,” said Kaindu.
Highlanders needed to summon all their experience to brush aside Triangle in the first round which they won 3-2 at Barbourfields two weeks ago.
Buffaloes needed a penalty shootout to outmuscle police outfit Black Mambas at Rimuka after a 1-1 stalemate. Kaindu said Bosso will be cautious, though, as the teams clash for the second time inside a week following last Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Sakubva in a league assignment.
“The only difference here is that we are coming from a league game against the same team and we are now playing in a Cup competition where there has to be a winner at the end of the day.
“But our approach has always been the same. We aim to play attacking football as usual to come out with a positive result.
“Of course, we are the seeded team and this was based on the teams’ positions on the log standings, which does not give any team the advantage because form changes. I see no pressure there however on our side although Buffaloes are an equally good team,” said Kaindu.
Highlanders have been enjoying good form of late in the league competition as they currently sit on second place with 41 points.
Dynamos lead the table on 42 with seven games remaining in the season.
Buffaloes are further down on seventh place with 33 points and their coach Timothy Masachi said Bosso should not expect an easy ride.
“Being in the quarter-final means a lot. It means you are now playing against the giants and Highlanders are one of the biggest teams in this country.
“Winning against them will be good for us although it looks like it will not be easy.
“We are, however, looking forward to that game and hopefully our players will be able to concentrate the whole 90 minutes. We played them at the weekend and I think we dominated them for the bigger periods.
“It was unfortunate we conceded an own goal late from a corner kick.
“It was bitter because they stole our two points when we had thought that we had the match in the bag. We definitely need to revenge for that and I am sure if we make use of our chances and defend well we will be able to pull through to the next round,” said Masachi.
The quarter-final draw, which was conducted last Friday, also set interesting dates for Harare giants CAPS United who will be looking for redemption at Ascot against Chicken Inn while Harare City and Hwange clash at Dulibadzimu tomorrow.
Defending champions Dynamos host newboys How Mine at Rufaro on Sunday.
How Mine coach Mandla Mpofu yesterday said they were happy to carry the underdogs tag.
“At this stage of the tournament we expect the games to be tougher compared to the first round. Playing the defending champions is not always easy especially for a team like ours which is still young in the Premiership.
“We respect Dynamos for who they are and what they have achieved in this tournament but we are coming to Harare to compete. Although we are carrying the underdogs tag, anything can happen in Cup games,” said Mpofu.
Mbada Diamonds quarterfinal fixtures
Tomorrow
Caps United v Chicken Inn (Ascot, SS9), Harare City v Hwange (Dulibadzimu)
Sunday
Dynamos v How Mine (Rufaro), Highlanders v Buffaloes (Mucheke, SS9).
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