Bongani Ndlovu
Vusumuzi Dube at Barbourfields Stadium
Highlanders will be looking to maintain momentum when they host MWOS in a potentially tricky mid-week Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter at Barbourfields Stadium.
Bosso head into the clash buoyed by renewed confidence following the resolution of captain Andrew Mbeba’s contract situation, a development that has steadied the dressing room and delighted supporters.
Coach Benjani Mwaruwari will be hoping that the stability at the back translates into a solid performance against a determined MWOS side.
Highlanders’ strength has largely been built on defensive discipline, with Mbeba expected to marshal the backline, while the midfield will be tasked with controlling the tempo and supplying the forwards. However, concerns remain over consistency in attack, an area Bosso will need to improve if they are to turn home advantage into maximum points.
Coming from an exciting 2-all draw against bitter rivals Dynamos at the weekend, Bosso is looking at gaining their first set of maximum points, after drawing both their two opening fixtures- the other being against cross-town rivals Bulawayo Chiefs.
Today, all eyes will be on Bosso’s midfield maestro, Mpumelelo ‘Smaller’ Tshuma, who had a blinder of a game against Dembare over the weekend.
The Lloyd Mutasa-coached MWOS, on the other hand, come into the match as potential disruptors. Known for their physical approach and quick transitions, they have shown that they can trouble more established sides. Their ability to absorb pressure and hit on the counter could pose problems for Highlanders, especially if the hosts commit too many bodies forward.
They come into the fixture following a 1-all draw with Telone, where their reliable goal poacher, Billy Vheremu converted a penalty to draw level for the Punters.
The mid-week fixture will test squad depth for both teams, with fatigue and rotation likely to play a role.
For Highlanders, the expectation from the home crowd will be clear, dominate proceedings and secure all three points. For MWOS, even a draw away from home would be considered a positive result.
Online Reporter