It’s derby weekend in Bulawayo

EXPLOSIVES are expected in the two City of Kings Premiership derbies slated for this weekend starting with a clash between Arenel and Chicken Inn on Saturday before Bulawayo Chiefs date Highlanders on Sunday.

Luveve Stadium will play host to the first of the matches involving Arenel and the GameCocks before Chiefs host Bosso at Barbourfields Stadium. Local football fans are certainly in for a treat with the four teams set to bring their “A” game with bragging rights at stake too.

Ahead of the weekend clashes Bulawayo Chiefs coach Thulani Sibanda says he is looking forward to an exciting game of football. “Highlanders is a big club and it is always an honour to play them, especially at Barbourfields Stadium. They are coming from a big victory and we have to be at our best if we are to win against them. It’s going to be a tough game which l think the fans will enjoy,” said Sibanda.

The first leg between the two teams played at the same venue at the same venue ended in a one-all draw at the same venue back in March. Bosso got their goal from Lynoth Chikuhwa with Chiefs equalising through Never Rauzhi who has since left them on a six-month loan deal to Amahlolanyama this mid-season transfer window.

Rauzhi will not be part of the Bosso team on Sunday as his loan clause does not allow him to play against his parent club.
Both Chiefs and Bosso will go into the game full of confidence following impressive victories in the previous round of fixtures.

Highlanders beat bitter rivals 2-0 in Harare while Chiefs won 2-1 against Greenfuel at Luveve Stadium. Ahead of the tie, Bosso is in position five with 29 points while Chiefs are in 11th place with 23 points. But before attention turns to that game, Premiership newsboys Arenel will battle against Chicken Inn.

Arenel head coach Farai Tawachera also expects a good game of football when they face Chicken Inn. “It’s a derby there is not much we can change as coaches. The players decide these kind of games largely because they know each other well. Chicken Inn is a big team and we respect them. We will see how it plays out on the pitch come match day,” said Tawachera.
The first leg between the two teams ended in a goalless draw.

Fixtures

Saturday
Yadah v Bikita Minerals (Heart Stadium), Green Fuel v Simba Bhora (GreenFuel Arena), ZPC Kariba v Chegutu Pirates (Nyamhunga Stadium), FC Platinum v Ngezi Platinum (Mandava Stadium) Arenel Movers’ v Chicken Inn (Luveve Stadium)

Sunday
Hwange v Dynamos (Colliery Stadium), Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs (Barbourfields Stadium), Manica Diamonds v TelOne (Sakubva), CAPS v Herentals (Rufaro Stadium)
—@innocentskizoe