Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT never rains but it pours for Bulawayo football giants Highlanders, who will once again take to the field without their dependable stand-in captain, Andrew “Tower” Mbeba. The defender remains sidelined with injury.
Highlanders, whose form has been patchy this season, are set to face former champions Ngezi Platinum Stars on Sunday at Barbourfields Stadium.
“Training has been going well since the start of the week and we’re hoping for a positive result against Ngezi Platinum Stars. We’ve been working hard and trying out different player combinations,” said interim coach Ncube, who addressed Thursday’s press conference amid reports that Bosso have appointed Dutchman Hendrick DeJoghn as their new head coach.
Ncube added, “Andrew Mbeba is still out injured and three other players, Hubert Ncube, Mvelo Khoza, and Darlington Mukuli, will undergo late fitness tests. But we’re hopeful they’ll be ready to play.”
Bosso have recorded six wins, 10 draws, and seven defeats this season. They sit ninth on the log with 28 points, trailing fifth-placed Ngezi by 10.
In their last league outing, Highlanders narrowly lost to CAPS United, while Ngezi edged past TelOne 2–1 at Baobab Stadium.
Elsewhere in the Matchday 24 fixtures, table-toppers Simba Bhora host Chicken Inn at Wadzanayi Stadium, while Dynamos, desperate for a lift, welcome MWOS to Rufaro.
Scottland face a tough away trip to Norman Mapeza’s FC Platinum, who are unbeaten in 22 matches. TelOne clash with Manica Diamonds at Ascot, and Herentals will take on bottom placed Kwekwe United at Rufaro on Sunday. At Gibbo, Bikita Minerals go head-to-head with CAPS United.
Meanwhile, six players are suspended for the weekend after picking up their third yellow cards. The sidelined include Emmanuel Chikwende (Greenfuel), Blessing Sasha Moyo and Michael Tapera (Scottland), Joseph Chitavira (Herentals), Witness Shave (Triangle United), and Marvelous Faranando (Yadah).
