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Sports Reporter
CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League log leaders Highlanders travel to Mutare this afternoon wary of the prospect of facing a “wounded buffalo”, as they seek their first win over Buffaloes FC at Sakubva Stadium this afternoon.Bosso is yet to collect maximum points in Mutare against the army side since its promotion to the top flight league two years ago. The Bulawayo giants could only recall one all draws on two occasions away at the border town although they boast of two clean sheets back at home, Emagumeni.
Highlanders coach, Kelvin Kaindu said playing at Sakubva has never been easy and he expects a tough game more so as their opponents are coming from a painful 5-1 loss away at Triangle.
“I am sure they are going to throw everything at us as they are coming from a loss and it is going to be a difficult game but we are ready for the match and hope to get a positive result,” said Kaindu.
The army side’s coach, Luke Masomere, however, felt the loss was self-inflicted and had nothing to do with either tactics or the team’s ability.
Vahombe said he did not take that defeat as a loss because of poor preparations prior to the game, arriving in Triangle at 1pm and then having lunch before arriving at the stadium after 2pm.
“We couldn’t have won in such circumstances, we made poor preparations and we paid for it but for the game against Highlanders we are not changing our plans or tactics,” he said.
“While Highlanders are a strong side and have a good history we are going to be fighting as we want to be recognised as well. I know we are the minnows going into this match but we are motivated to do our best and play for nothing but maximum points.”
Masomere said he won’t take comfort in the fact that Highlanders have never won at Sakubva as he cannot rely on history to carry the day “against a big team”.
Highlanders managed a scrappy win over Harare City on Thursday at home but Kaindu defended his charges saying they could not be expected to play the same way in every game.
“What is important at the end of the day is the three points because teams can frustrate your play and might not play the way you want to, even clubs like Barcelona face such circumstances,” he said.
Highlanders have the chance to extend their lead at the top as their closest rival How Mine drew against ZPC Kariba yesterday.
The log leaders will be missing talisman, Kudakwashe Mahachi, who is away with his parent club, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns while captain Innocent Mapuranga is out on injury. Peter Moyo, Charles Sibanda and Bruce Kangwa were expected to pass late fitness tests yesterday.
Buffaloes will play without Prosper Matizanadzo, who is serving a suspension and Malvern Fenyeka who suffered a hamstring injury. Masomere said other players would have to fill in the gap left by these two whom he called his star strikers.
Fixtures
Highlanders v Buffaloes (Sakubva), Hwange v Shabanie (Colliery), Caps United v Bantu Rovers (NSS). Chiredzi v Dynamos (Chishamiso, 3pm Supersport).
Online Reporter