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BULAWAYO giants Highlanders clash with their fierce rivals Dynamos in a league match tomorrow afternoon at Barbourfields Stadium knowing that victory would see them moving up the ladder and reignite their faint chances of “winning” the league.
Victory would give a bigger boost to the players who have struggled to raise their game at Barbourfields and would also smash their nine-year jinx against Dynamos in front of an expectant bumper home crowd.
Here is some information about Highlanders’ probable line-up for the crunch tie.
Goalkeeper: Njabulo Nyoni
Defenders: Webster Chingodza, Bruce Kangwa, Erick Mudzingwa, Felix Chindungwe
Midfielders: Simon Munawa, Nqobizitha Masuku, King Nadolo, Mthulisi Maphosa
Strikers: Obidiah Tarumbwa, Knox Mutizwa
Njabulo Nyoni (goalkeeper, 35 years): The dreadlocked goalkeeper seems to have won his coach’s trust and will be expected to guard the sticks for Bosso. Nyoni, better known as Popo, commands his defence well and is a good motivator. He has played in Highlanders’ last two games against Triangle United at Barbourfields Stadium and Gibbo Stadium, conceding one goal.
Webster Chingodza (rightback, 29 years): The energetic wingback has been a consistent performer this season and appears to have solved Highlanders’ rightback position. He is good both offensively and defensively. Chingodza is blessed with speed and energy when venturing upfront and his overlapping runs could force DeMbare’s left back Ocean Mushure to stay put.
Bruce Kangwa (leftback, 27 years): He has been key to most of Highlanders’ attacks. On a good day, he can cause havoc for his opponents and open an avenue for himself. Besides being a man marker, the skilful Kangwa is good at eliminating numbers with his fancy dribbling. He can also deliver some good crosses into the box.
Erick Mudzingwa (centreback, 29 years): The Highlanders vice-captain is a good man-marker capable of containing any striker. He doesn’t unnecessarily venture upfront and commands his defence well. He is a no-nonsense centreback who prefers to play safe. Mudzingwa is equally good in the air and can also play as a defensive midfielder.
Felix Chindungwe (centreback, 32 years): The skipper had a good game in Bosso’s 0-0 draw against Triangle United a fortnight ago. He missed the first leg of the DeMbare tie and should partner Mudzingwa to bring some stability at the back. His maturity will certainly augur well in such a big match.
Simon Munawa (anchorman, 28 years): He had a brilliant game when Bosso lost 2-3 to Dynamos in Harare, with some timely tackles that broke DeMbare’s rhythm. His tackles will be vital in tomorrow’s encounter.
Nqobizitha Masuku (defensive midfielder/playmaker, 22 years): The Young Warriors midfielder prefers to play simple football and is a good passer. He is an intelligent and creative player capable of threading defence-splitting passes when in form.
King Nadolo (attacking midfielder, 20 years): The maverick youngster has shown great potential to be a match winner. The creative midfielder has shown some flashes of brilliance and doesn’t shy away from dribbling past opponents. He is expected to create real scoring opportunities for Bosso’s forwards.
Mthulisi Maphosa (midfielder, 32 years): The veteran midfielder has recovered from injury and could be thrown into the fray. His leadership qualities on the field of play have made him a darling of coach Bongani Mafu. He is expected to control the midfield and dictate the tempo of the game.
Obidiah Tarumbwa (striker, 29 years): He is the only survivor from the Bosso squad that last beat Dynamos 2-0 at Barbourfields on July 30, 2006. He would want to relive that feeling of overcoming the old enemy. Tarumbwa also boasts a wealth of experience having played in Europe and South Africa. His combination with man-of-the moment Knox Mutizwa has been a marvel to watch. He uses his experience to the best of his ability and has been the architect of most of Highlanders’ goals. He won the penalty for Highlanders at Rufaro.
Knox Mutizwa (striker, 21 years-old): He is Bosso’s man-of-the moment and seems to be enjoying his new role playing as a central striker after being moved from midfield. Mutizwa missed Bosso’ opening games of the season due to injury, but has now scored six goals in the last six games. He scored a brace against Dynamos and all eyes will be on the mercurial Young Warriors striker as he leads the Bosso attack.
Douglas Sibanda (utility player, 24 years): He is comfortable playing as a defensive midfielder as well as in central defence. He is good cover in case Chindungwe or Mudzingwa are injured.
Teenage Hadebe (centreback, 19 years): The sky is the limit for the Young Warriors defender. He is confident on the ball and is comfortable starting moves from the back.
Peter Muduhwa (utility player, 22 years): Was on loan at Bulawayo Chiefs and could make a cameo appearance in the big match. He can play either as a defender of defensive midfielder.
Fixtures
Today: Flame Lily v Tsholotsho (Lafarge), Chapungu v Whawha (Ascot, SuperSport, 2PM), ZPC Kariba v Triangle (Nyamhunga)
Tomorrow: Highlanders v Dynamos (Barbourfields, SuperSport, 3PM), Dongo Sawmill v Chicken Inn (Vengere), Caps United v Harare City (National Sports Stadium), Hwange v How Mine (Colliery)
Ends
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