Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS head coach Kelvin Kaindu is hoping that the momentum from their hard-fought 1-0 midweek victory over Bikita Minerals can fuel his side’s push for a long-awaited away win when they travel to face Yadah Stars at Heart Stadium tomorrow.
While Bosso have proven formidable at their Barbourfields stronghold, with three wins and a draw in four matches, their form on the road tells a different story. Kaindu’s charges have yet to register a win away from home this season, managing four draws and one defeat in five outings.
“We have not picked up maximum points when travelling, but we have to focus on the game that is coming. The victory from the midweek game should give us the motivation to win the next one,” said Kaindu.
Highlanders’ away woes have largely been of their own making. Costly individual errors, particularly from their goalkeeping unit of Reward Muza, Raphael Pitisi and Ariel Sibanda, have seen them concede soft goals, often undoing solid performances elsewhere on the pitch. The defenders have also not been perfect.
“There is still work to be done. I think we are good in other departments, especially scoring, but I am still concerned with the way we are defending, particularly the mistakes from our defenders,” said Kaindu.
Despite the defensive frailties, Highlanders have shown consistency in front of goal, scoring in every game thus far. But Kaindu is realistic about his squad’s limitations, acknowledging the lack of new signings in the recent transfer window.
“We are not scoring too many goals, but I am not worried. We did not buy any players, so we are trying to get goals from what we had last season,” he said.
Tomorrow’s clash will see Bosso boosted by the return of midfielders Mason Mushore and Melikhaya Ncube, both of whom missed the midweek fixture due to suspension. Their availability could provide a crucial edge as Kaindu looks to break the away day curse. Yadah, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency and find themselves under pressure to perform at home. But Kaindu is wary of underestimating his opponents.
“It’s not going to be easy. They have not been at their best, but I’m sure they will try to be at their best to get points from this game,” said Kaindu.
Elsewhere in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League this weekend, TelOne host Bikita Minerals at Ascot Stadium, while it’s a showdown of platinum giants at Mandava Stadium where FC Platinum meet Ngezi Platinum. Defending champions Simba Bhora face GreenFuel at Wadzanayi Stadium in Shamva. The biggest draw of the weekend, however, will be on Sunday at Rufaro Stadium, where traditional giants Dynamos take on newcomers Scottland in a highly anticipated encounter. — @innocentskizoe
