Chronicle Editor
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS begin life in the Castle Lager Premiership without twin strikers Prince Dube and Rodreck Mutuma when they take on neighbours Bulawayo City in a tricky derby at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
Mutuma dumped Bosso last week for the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries owned Yadah Stars FC, while Dube jetted out of the country on Tuesday to join Absa Premiership side SuperSport United on a four-year deal.
This means Bosso will field a makeshift strikeforce this afternoon and no coach would want such a situation in a derby.
However, it’s also games like these that a star can be born and Bosso coach Erol Akbay might unleash Ray Lunga, son to former club prolific hitman Gift, and the element of surprise might be their biggest weapon.
Bosso come into this match on the backdrop of an uninspiring 1-0 win over Yadah Stars FC, while Bulawayo City drew 0-0 with Bantu Rovers in a game they were expected to win, having put up a top drawer show away to Dynamos despite losing 3-4.
“We prepared well for the game and we are raring to go. To us, all the remaining games now are like cup finals which we have to win, although tomorrow won’t be easy but we are prepared,” said Bulawayo City coach Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu.
He is to throw in his new signings Ishmael Wadi and Newman Sianchali in a bid to collect maximum points over their more illustrious opponents, who will be backed by a strong crowd.
In the reverse fixture, Highlanders prevailed 2-0, with goals from Dube and Simon Munawa.
@skhumoyo2000
Online Reporter