Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira-Zimpapers Sports Hub
MANICA Diamonds coach, Paul Mandizha, says he has a lot of respect for Highlanders and Benjani Mwaruwari.
However, he says his side will not be overawed by the occasion when they host Bosso at Sakubva on Saturday.
The Mutare-based side have endured a difficult start to the season and head into the tie desperate to turn around their fortunes.
Manica Diamonds have managed just two wins, two draws and suffered eight defeats, in their opening 13 matches, leaving them languishing fourth-from-bottom on the table.
“Whenever we play Highlanders it is always a special feeling because they are a big team with a rich football culture,” said Mandizha.
“We respect them but that does not mean we fear them. “They have a massive fan base that can intimidate opponents on any given day, so going into a match like this we have to be at our best – both physically and mentally.
“We know the kind of challenge that awaits us and we will have to punch above our weight.”
Highlanders head into the match carrying the tag of draw specialists this season.
Bosso have lost only once in the league campaign, but a series of stalemates has slowed their push towards the top of the table.
Benjani Mwaruwari’s men have won three matches and drawn nine, with their inability to consistently convert draws into victories becoming a growing concern among supporters.
“When you look at Highlanders, I believe they are posting good results and they are playing good football,” he said.
“They are difficult to beat and that tells you a lot about the quality they have in their squad.”
The return to Sakubva following its homologation has given the Gem Boys renewed hope as they seek to climb away from the relegation zone.
“Returning to Sakubva has boosted the confidence of the team,” said Mandizha.
“It has also relieved us of the fatigue and headaches that came with having to travel even for our home games. Playing in front of our supporters again is something very important for us.
“Playing against a coach with all that experience is good for us as coaches as well.
“Benjani has achieved a lot in football and there is always something you can learn from people with that kind of experience.”
With Sakubva expected to provide a charged atmosphere, all signs point to another fiercely contested battle between the two sides.
Londile Moyo