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Fungai Muderere
THREE potentially exciting Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches are lined up for Good Friday with Bulawayo football giants Highlanders set to take on free-spending Simba Bhora at Barbourfields Stadium.
Ahead of the start of the 2024 season, Simba Bhora were not hesitant to open their purse as they broke the bank in a development that saw them lure several talented players that include Junior Makunike and ex Bulawayo Chiefs trio of Malvin Mkolo, Billy Vheremu and Mthokozisi Msebe. They also have 2023 Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona and seasoned striker Perfect Chikwende, among others.
While Bosso head coach Kelvin Kaindu hopes that his boys will enjoy home advantage, it is the strength of Simba Bhora that they are worried about.
“Simba Bhora have assembled a very strong team; they went on the market, and they got what they were looking for and it’s not easy to face teams like that. We are going to this game knowing that we are facing a very strong team, but we will take the advantage that we are playing at home.”
Highlanders have so far amassed four points from their two outings against Dynamos and Bulawayo Chiefs. Simba Bhora are also on four points after having beaten last season’s league runners-up Manica Diamonds 3-2 and drawing one all with Greenfuel.
Another match scheduled for Good Friday will see Hwange play host to a new-look Bulawayo Chiefs side at Colliery Stadium.
“We have slowly been finding our rhythm, but Bulawayo Chiefs are a good side, we cannot manage to underestimate them because they are also in this league to compete,” said Hwange head coach Nation Dube.
Rufaro Stadium, which has since been assessed and deemed good to host matches, will host its first match after so many years of closure when Yadah Stars welcome Dynamos in a potentially exciting game.
It is a fixture that will have another Khama Billiat effect and probably draw a large crowd at the ceremonial home of Zimbabwean football. Billiat, a former Warriors poster boy, recently came back home to join Yadah after leaving South African giants Kaizer Chiefs and failing to find a new club across the Limpopo River.
PSL fixtures schedule will continue on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.
Week Three Fixtures
Good Friday
Highlanders v Simba Bhora (Barbourfields Stadium), Hwange v Bulawayo Chiefs (Colliery Stadium), Yadah Stars v Dynamos (Rufaro).
Week Four Fixtures
Easter Sunday
Chegutu Prirates v Greenfuel (Baobab), Chicken Inn v ZPC Kariba (Luveve), Herentals College v FC Platinum (Nyamhunga), CAPS United v Arenel (Rufaro)
Easter Monday
Simba Bhora v Hwange (Wadzanai), TelOne v Highlanders (Bata), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Manica Diamonds (Baobab), Bulawayo Chiefs v Yadah (Luveve), Bikita Minerals v Dynamos (Sakubva)
Online Reporter
Langa Mabena
