adminThe usually dependable defender Innocent Mapuranga who was the club’s most consistent player last season and has been rewarded with the captain’s armband yesterday said they were ready to die for Bosso.
“It is good that the season is starting and the guys are raring to go. The players’ attitude is great and you can tell that we share the same vision, which is to fight for a win. Actually the guys are prepared to die on the field as we fight to bring back glory to Highlanders.
“It will not be easy but with our supporters rallying behind us, I do not see us failing to win. What we need is to collect three points on Sunday and then take each game as it comes. We want to end the season in a better place than last season,” said Mapuranga.
Bosso finished last season a disappointing seventh.
Last season Highlanders lost to Blue Rangers then known as Blue Ribbon 2-1 in the first leg that was played in Harare. Bosso beat the Harare club 1-0 in the reverse fixture that was played at Barbourfields.
Highlanders will go into the weekend match having lost only three players, Gilbert Banda, Rahman Kutsanzira and Louis Matawu, from their last season’s squad.
Mapuranga said competition was tough at the club with every player wanting to be part of the team.
“The guys can smell good things coming and they are fighting hard at training. With such attitude, I do not see anything stopping us from winning. Whoever comes in is going to give his best as they are aware that those who get a chance to be in will hold on to the place dearly,” said Mapuranga.
At yesterday’s training session held at Barbourfields Stadium, Mapuranga played with utility player Mthulisi Maphosa in central defence with Honest Moyo on the left side of defence.
Rightback Lawson Nkomo also participated at training and will be competing for a starting place against Atlast Musasa who has been playing in that position during pre-season matches.
Highlanders’ coach Kelvin Kaindu is spoilt for choice in midfield as he has Maphosa, Erick Mudzingwa, Simon Munawa, Bhekimpilo Ncube, Milton Ncube, Heritani Masuku and Knox Mutizwa who can deliver.
The above players are expected to provide scoring opportunities to strikers Graham Ncube, Masimba Mambare and Beaven Chikaka.
Fixtures
Tomorrow: Black Mambas v FC Platinum (Morris Depot), Motor Action v Harare City (Motor Action), Hwange v Quelaton (Colliery Stadium), Chicken Inn v Gunners (Luveve).
Sunday: Highlanders v Blue Rangers (Barbourfields), Dynamos v Hardbody (Rufaro), Shabanie Mine v Caps United (Maglas), Buffaloes v Monomotapa (Sakubva).
Online Reporter