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HIGHLANDERS persist with their quest to finish in a respectable position when they meet Buffaloes in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixture at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
With four matches to go before the conclusion of the season, Highlanders find themselves in an unfamiliar 11th position on the log with the need to pick up maximum points in the remaining fixtures if they are to end in a better position.
Things have not improved for Highlanders since they parted ways with coach Bongani Mafu in September. While Mafu left Highlanders in 10th position, the interim technical team of Cosmas Zulu and Amini Soma-Phiri have presided over a further slide for Highlanders who have been overtaken by ZPC Kariba.
Zulu yesterday described the encounter as tricky since Buffaloes are fighting against relegation. He believes if they could play the same way like they did in their 1-1 draw against Chapungu, then they can come out victorious. He called upon the club’s supporters to come out in full force to support the team and give them an edge over their opponents.
“It is a very difficult game, we have to put 100 percent commitment in whatever we are doing, these guys are fighting for survival, we cannot underestimate them. We have to be offensive and we need the supporters to rally behind us. They can be our weapon to win the game, the boys need them because these games are tricky, if we are at home at Barbourfields that has to show,’’ said Zulu.
Highlanders will once again look to their free scoring striker Knox Mutizwa who has 12 goals to his name which makes him the leading goal scorer in the league. Mutizwa has formed a great combination upfront with seasoned Obadiah Tarumbwa and if the two combine well this afternoon, Highlanders are certain to walk away with the maximum points.
Buffaloes, under the mentorship of Saul Chaminuka were fourth from bottom with 26 points going into this weekend’s fixtures and need to pick up three points this afternoon to aid their survival chances.
What gives Highlanders the edge going into this fixture is the fact that they have never been beaten by Buffaloes in the seven matches played between the two teams since 2012. Highlanders have picked up three wins while four matches have ended in a stalemate. The previous meeting at Sakubva Stadium ended in a 0-0 draw as was the last time the two teams played each other in Bulawayo last year.
In other fixtures lined up this afternoon, Hwange clash with Tsholotsho, Dynamos meet Caps United in what should be an interesting Harare derby while Triangle have an opportunity to redeem themselves when they take on bottom of the log side Dongo Sawmill.
Bongani Ndlovu