adminTHE Highlanders camp resembles a hospital casualty ward ahead of their clash against tricky FC Platinum in a Zimbabwe National Army Commander Charities Soccer Shield match at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
Already missing three of their stars Milton Ncube, Peter “Rio” Moyo and Kudakwashe Mahachi who are with the national team for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Tanzania today, Bosso will again have to do without the injured Mthulisi Maphosa, Welcome Ndiweni, Simon Munawa, Rahman Kutsanzira and Gabriel Nyoni.
Maphosa and Nyoni have been on the sidelines for weeks, Kutsanzira picked up an injury when Highlanders demolished his former team Caps United 4-0 while Munawa and Ndiweni got injured when Bosso drew 1-1 with ZPC Kariba at Gwanzura Stadium last Sunday which saw the duo being substituted.
Coach Kelvin Kaindu said forwards Charles Sibanda, Ozias Zibande and Mgcini Sibanda were also injury concerns but were not that serious.
However, he believes the injuries present the young players in the Bosso set-up with a perfect opportunity to prove their worth. Some of the young players with a chance to shine this afternoon are up and coming defender Graciano Chakafana, a product of the Highlanders juniors who did so well in the Independence Cup third place play-off against Harare City, a match where Bosso triumphed 1-0.
In the absence of Munawa, Chakafana is sure to slot into the problematic right back position and make up a good defensive cover with skipper Innocent Mapuranga, and Dumisani Ndlovu.
Other youngsters with a chance to impress are Knox Mtizwa who seems to have fizzled out after a fine start to the season, Bothwell Nyathi and Mgcini Sibanda.
Njabulo Nyoni who is yet to make an appearance for Highlanders in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League is highly likely to be in between goals with the likes of Valentine Ndaba, Joel Ngodzo, Felix Chindungwe, Cleopas Dube and Khumbulani Banda given a run this afternoon.
Highlanders and FC Platinum, although yet to meet in a league encounter, have met three times so far this year, twice in friendly matches and in an Independence Cup semi-final.
Bosso triumphed in the first friendly match while Kugona Kunenge Kudada won the Independence Cup tie 6-5 on penalties having also won the second pre-season fixture in Zvishavane 2-0.
Kaindu said they were expecting a tough match against the Zvishavane-based side who he described as unpredictable.
“It is a cup game and there has to be a winner, we have so much respect for FC Platinum, they have depth in their squad.
“Winning is achieved on the field of play, as a coach I want to win (and) that’s what makes football interesting,’’ said Kaindu yesterday.
Unlike Highlanders, the Daniel Vheremu-captained FC Platinum will only miss midfielder Marshall Mudewe who is in Tanzania.
Lloyd Mutasa, the FC Platinum coach should be able to give some game time to players such as former Soccer Star of the Year runner-up Allan Gahadzikwa, whose career has taken a nosedive since his move to the Moneybags from Motor Action and Zambian Aaron Katebe.
In Harare, Zimbabwe champions Dynamos square off against city rivals Caps United in another semi-final encounter at Rufaro Stadium.
Fixtures
Highlanders v FC Platinum (Barbourfields Stadium), Dynamos v Caps United (Rufaro Stadium).
Online Reporter