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Curtworth Masango Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS are hoping to continue with their dominance of local football when they face holders of the Chibuku Super Cup Bulawayo Chiefs in the first round of the knock-out competition at Barbourfields on Sunday.
The Bulawayo giants are in the form of a lifetime, going into this game with an unbeaten 18-match run in the Castle Lager Premiership league.
Highlanders defender Archford Faira is hoping to carry on with their form in the cup games as they are looking for a double this season.
They are currently enjoying pole position in the league with 38 points, five ahead of nearest rivals Ngezi Platinum Stars with one game into the second half of the season.
“We pray that the results would be in our favour and at the same time wish Bulawayo Chiefs the best. It will be a close one for us but we can’t hope for less than a victory in this one,” said Faira.
“I think the league results are a big motivation to both teams as Chiefs are eager to redeem themselves, we are also eager to keep the record of defeating them. So l think the league results have an effect as well going into this one.
“Personally, I want to play much better than in the league match we played against Chiefs. They are a tricky customer and we wouldn’t want to give them room to outclass us in any way.
“As a team, we are aiming for the Chibuku Cup so Bulawayo Chiefs is a stepping stone to where we are going,” he said.
The Bulawayo giants are looking to end a 17-year title drought. They also want the Chibuku Super Cup which they won for the first time in 2019.
Highlanders had a particularly disappointing outing last year in the cup competition when they crashed out at the quarter-final stage after losing 1-0 to eventual winners, Bulawayo Chiefs, at Barbourfields.
The meeting on Sunday at the same venue should provide the opportunity for revenge for Brito’s men. Chiefs are under a new coach Johannes Nhumwa, who replaced caretaker coach Joseph Sibindi during the midweek.
Chiefs, however, might find motivation in the fact that Bosso, who have been crushing everyone in their path recently after knitting together six successive wins, were held to a goalless draw in their last league match with ZPC Kariba.
Chiefs have been blowing hot and cold and they go into this match against the backdrop of three losses.
All hasn’t been well in their camp as financial constraints have continued to hit them hard. Last year despite facing similar struggles they went on to clinch the cup.
Chiefs will be all out as defending champions and former Manica Diamonds coach Nhumwa will be in charge of the Ninjas after his appointment this week.
Giants Dynamos also had a technical team reshuffle during the midweek and will be led by interim coach Genesis Mangombe on the tricky date with Simba Bhora at their adopted Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow. Mangombe, who has been working as the team’s assistant coach since the beginning of the season, was given the reins following the sacking of Herbert Maruwa.
Fellow giants CAPS United will host Hwange at Bata in Gweru on Sunday.
Fixture
Tomorrow: Ngezi Platinum Stars v Triangle (Baobab), Manica Diamonds v Black Rhinos (Gibbo), Chicken Inn v GreenFuel (Luveve), FC Platinum v Yadah (Mandava), Dynamos v Simba Bhora (Barbourfields)
Sunday: Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs (Barbourfields), CAPS Utd v Hwange (Bata), Herentals v ZPC Kariba (Mandava)
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