adminEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
PREMIERSHIP giants Highlanders have said they are coming on a mission to turn the tables when they clash with rivals Dynamos in a high-profile Castle Lager Premiership match at Rufaro on Sunday.
Highlanders are looking to end a nine-year jinx since they last tasted victory in the league over their biggest rivals.
Club chief executive Ndumiso Gumede yesterday said they have good chances of winning the match.
“There is a positive feeling among the players. Don’t forget we have a new team, new guys and a new coach who are all eager to prove themselves,” said Gumede.
“This game is a big motivator in itself. The players know they will be writing their own piece of history just by playing against a team like Dynamos. It’s first time for most of them in Highlanders colours and if they win, that will be icing on the cake.”
The veteran football administrator believes his side was not under any pressure.
Bosso last beat Dynamos in a league match in 2006 when they went on to win their last league championship.
“Every game is a new game. During the days when I was growing, Liverpool was the team to beat in England, but all that has changed now,” said Gumede.
“So we cannot bank much on history. It’s in the past. I can’t really say what will happen on Sunday, but you should know that every dog has its day. And in football, sometimes, there is an element of luck. It has been lacking on our part. You may play well and still fail to win.
“You can dominate and hit the woodwork several times, but if you don’t take the chance it doesn’t work. The last time we played them at Barbourfields we were all over them, but they had a rare chance and they scored. We went on to lose the match 1-0 despite all the dominance.
“Such is football. But I am happy we are almost injury-free. The two-week break gave some of our injured players time to recuperate. We should expect a full strength side except that our fast-rising striker Thomas Chideu will not be available for this one.
“We really would have loved to see him in this match, but he was given an unfair red card in our last game right on the stroke of 90 minutes. We are a bit handicapped on that part although we have equally good players to take his place.”
Bosso are currently sitting on eighth position on the log standings, but they are only four points adrift of DeMbare who are third with 23 points.
DeMbare have maintained their gate charges at $3 for the cheapest ticket and are anticipating a huge crowd on Sunday.
The club’s secretary-general Webster Chikengezha said they were ready to host the match.
“This is probably the biggest game on the domestic scene and we always look forward to it. The fact that we have repeatedly beaten them in previous seasons should spur us on.
“In fact, this game is self-motivating. If you notice, there are a number of new players in the team. They know the rivalry between the two teams and I guess everyone will be turned on.
Online Reporter