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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGH-riding How Mine do not want to be the first side to lose to crestfallen Highlanders when the two sides lock horns in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Barbourfields Stadium this Sunday.
Bosso have been on a losing streak since the beginning of the second half of the season that has seen them picking up just two points out of a possible 18, while the gold miners, who had an indifferent first half of the campaign, have been grinding crucial results and amassed 12 points from six games.
Highlanders have been victims of injuries, a rare occurrence in the past, especially a player being out for a month. The Bulawayo giants also lost two key players, Bruce Kangwa to cash rich Tanzanian side Azam and Knox Mutizwa to Bidvest Wits in the South African Absa Premiership.
Despite his opponents being at their most vulnerable, How Mine coach Kelvin Kaindu still believes giants like Bosso never die and are still as dangerous as when in form.
The Zambian, whose side will miss the services of the bulldozing Kuda Musharu through suspension, says he still respects his opponents, but it will be like any other encounter for them.
“It’s just another game, but I respect my opponents whether they are in form or not. As a club, we have improved in terms of defending, but playing Bosso is another tough assignment as these are giants,” said Kaindu.
With Musharu unavailable, lanky forward Godfrey Nguwodzawo could be given the responsibility upfront.
Tapiwa Kumbuyani has a steadying effect in defence, which will be tested by Bosso’s main striker Prince Dube.
Highlanders will welcome back Honest Moyo, Simon Munawa and goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda for Sunday’s encounter after they missed last Saturday’s 0-1 loss to ZPC Kariba.
A loss on Sunday could see Bosso dropping to sixth on the table, which would be their worst placing since the arrival of Dutchman Erol Akbay as head coach.
Meanwhile, two other players will join Musharu in missing this weekend’s league action after accumulating three yellow cards.
Tsholotsho’s Bruno Madanhire and Xolani Ncube of Chapungu will both watch their respective teams from the terraces, according to a communiqué from the PSL.
Madanhire received his first yellow card on April 9 against Bulawayo City, the second against How Mine on June 11 and the third last Sunday against Chicken Inn.
Musharu was first yellow carded on April 23 when How Mine played Chicken Inn and on May 26 against FC Platinum, with the third in Saturday’s tie with Chapungu.
Ncube’s first caution was against Chicken Inn on July 9, his second a week later when Mutare City Rovers visited Ascot Stadium in Gweru and the third against Chapungu.
Tsholotsho take on ZPC Kariba at Luveve Stadium on Saturday, the same day that Chapungu will be in action against Border Strikers at Dulivhadzimu Stadium in Beitbridge.
Fixtures
Friday: Harare City v Bulawayo City (Rufaro Stadium) SS
Saturday: Caps United v Mutare City Rovers (National Sports Stadium) SS, Chapungu v Border Strikers (Ascot Stadium), FC Platinum v Chicken Inn (Mandava Stadium), Tsholotsho v ZPC Kariba (Luveve Stadium)
Sunday: Highlanders v How Mine (Barbourfields Stadium), Hwange v Triangle United (Colliery Stadium), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Dynamos (Baobab Stadium) SS. – @skhumoyo2000
Online Reporter