adminHighlanders’ coach Kelvin Kaindu said his players have been working hard and morale in his camp is high.
The Zambian expatriate who saw his team come from behind to force a one-all draw in the first leg played at Barbourfields Stadium said concentration would be key to winning against Dynamos.
“All we have to do is concentrate throughout the game. We have to avoid mistakes and utilise every chance that come our way.
“We have prepared hard for the game and everyone is raring to go. Morale in camp is high and now what is left is for us to apply ourselves to the best of our ability,” said Kaindu.
Highlanders should be prepared for a hostile reception at Rufaro as Dynamos’ vociferous supporters can be intimidating through song and dance.
Bosso have a number of experienced players who can stand the heat.
Skipper Innocent Mapuranga returns to action after missing the Mbada Diamonds Cup quarter-finals against Monomotapa as he had gone for his father’s funeral. He will partner Eric Mudzingwa with Lawson Nkomo, Bruce Tshuma, Atlast Musasa and Bruce Kangwa fighting for wingback positions.
Mthulisi Maphosa will be anchor man and is expected to form a formidable midfield with Peter ‘Rio’ Moyo, Bhekimpilo Ncube, dribbling wizard Masimba Mambare and Simon Munawa.
Heritani Masuku and Milton Ncube might come from the bench.
Kaindu might unleash forceful former ZPC Hwange forward Cleopas ‘Balotteli’ Dube to lead the strikeforce with Graham Ncube.
Ozias Zibande who had a nightmarish day in office against Monomotapa is likely to start from the bench.
Highlanders who are hoping to end a six-year jinx against DeMbare, should be wary of their opponents.
Dynamos are hard to beat at their home ground.
The Dynamos coach Callisto Pasuwa said they are taking the game like a final.
“Everyone is ready for the game. I think it’s going to be a tricky game because Highlanders have been playing well. We are not reading much in their dip in form because that could be suicidal on our part.
“Obviously they come as wounded lions but we are ready for them. This match is likely to determine our championship fate,” Pasuwa said.
Dynamos will bank on their goalkeeper George Chigova, Gift Bello, defensive stalwart Patson Jaure, their darling midfielder Denver Mukamba and Murape Murape. DeMbare also have Tawanda Muparati, Farai Mupasiri and Ocean Mushure who can also cause trouble for Bosso.
Meanwhile, relegated Quelaton will take on Harare City without their assistant coach Danisa Phiri who was banned from football for life for participating in fixed matches at Luveve Stadium this afternoon.
Another top drawer game is on the cards at Mandava today where FC Platinum will play host to Chicken Inn.
The miners were in good form last week. They played with purpose and direction and had all the features of a great side with Welcome Ndiweni calling the strings in midfield. Thabani Kamusoko and the stylish Ali ‘Mkoma Ketai’ Sadiki also played well.
FC Platinum were so impressive on the offensive with Donald Ngoma giving problems to Shabanie mine defenders in the Mbada Cup quarter-final at Mandava Stadium.
Chicken Inn coaches Adam Ndlovu and Mandla Mpofu attended the match to spy on their opponents. With Joel Ngodzo having been on the bench despite all the talent he has, counting him among the bench warmers could be a big mistake.
Felix Chidungwe, Njabulo Nyoni and Sydney Linyama are some of the players in the Chicken Inn set up. The team is eyeing a top four finish and are relishing the prospects of representing Zimbabwe in Africa next year. Hwange travel to Mutare for a date with Buffaloes while Caps United is at home to relegation haunted Gunners.
Fixtures
Today: Quelaton v Harare City (Luveve), Monomotapa v Black Mambas (Rufaro), Blue Rangers v Motor Action (Gwanzura), FC Platinum v Chicken Inn (Mandava) Tomorrow: Dynamos v Highlanders (Rufaro), Hardbody v Shabanie Mine (Ascot), Buffaloes v Hwange (Sakubva), Caps United v Gunners (Gwanzura).
Online Reporter