Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS head coach Kelvin Kaindu is banking on Kariba’s early winter chill to help his side settle and play their normal game when they clash with ZPC Kariba at the fortress-like Nyamhunga Stadium on Saturday.
The usually searing Kariba heat has historically given the home side a brutal edge, leaving many visiting teams gasping and watching points slip through sweaty fingers. But this year’s winter, still finding its bite, could be the break Kaindu has been hoping for.
As if to back Kaindu’s hunch, ZPC Kariba are yet to taste defeat at home this season, while Bosso have managed just one win on the road.
“Once again, we have a long trip to cover. We got a point in a game where we could have picked up maximum points against FC Platinum. It’s not easy to play a well-organised team like FC Platinum.
“But we are travelling to Kariba, a team that has been doing well and has been consistent this season. We’re playing them at their home ground, a very tricky ground. The advantage we may have is that we are going there during winter. We’re looking forward to not seeing winter affect the way we want to play,” said Kaindu.
Highlanders have not beaten ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga Stadium in over a decade — a painful statistic that looms large heading into the tie.
ZPC Kariba come into the match buoyed by a gritty 2–2 away draw against defending champions Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Bosso currently sit fourth on the log with 18 points, three ahead of eighth-placed ZPC Kariba. The Bulawayo giants are unbeaten in their last five matches, with two wins and three draws — harvesting 9 points from a possible 15, a 60 percent success rate.
In the same stretch, ZPC Kariba have recorded one win and four draws, collecting 7 points — a 47 percent return.
Meanwhile, Highlanders left Bulawayo yesterday morning for the resort town without the injured duo of Talent Dube and Gillian Nyathi, both of whom picked up knocks in their last league outing against FC Platinum at Barbourfields.
Dube, who started that match, was substituted in the 66th minute, while Nyathi remained on the bench.
“In terms of our preparation, the only sad news we have is that we picked up some injuries in the last game. Talent and Gillian, who were part of the team, are not available for selection,” said Kaindu.
@FungaiMuderere
