dyton mupawaenda
Fungai Muderere-Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS coach Kelvin Kaindu is optimistic that his charges will rise to the occasion when they take on former champions Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab Stadium this afternoon.
On Independence Day, Bosso, just like Chicken Inn, gave a number of non-regular players a run in an exciting open match.
“I think our game against Chicken Inn was a big litmus test. We changed the entire team and we did our team selection for the Ngezi Platinum game from that match,” said Kaindu.
“Most of the guys we fielded were wanting in terms of match fitness. Darlington Munkuli, Mvelo Khoza and Archford Faira, who has been injured, played well.
“We were still working on some of the players’ match fitness. There were so many positives, and we are optimistic of a good result against Ngezi Platinum Stars.”
In their previous match, Bosso edged CAPS United 1-0 courtesy of a Reason Sibanda quick first-half strike.
Bosso are on nine points, but their form on the road remains a disaster – two draws and a defeat from three matches on the road speaks to a side still searching for stability away from their favourite hunting ground, Barbourfields.
Bosso, who miss the services of their dependable defender Andrew Mbeba, who is in the treatment room, will be looking to overcome the challenge.
This will be the second consecutive league match that the Bulawayo football giants will play without Mbeba, who has not trained for two weeks following an injury he picked in their one-all draw against Triangle United at Gibbo Stadium.
The Takesure Chiragwi mentored Ngezi Platinum Stars will be without their pacey forward Obriel Chirinda due to suspension.
In another potentially exciting match that will be played today, Joey Antipas’ Chicken Inn will welcome Simba Bhora.
Under the guidance of ex-Warriors and Highlanders player Joel Luphahla, Simba Bhora, who have managed to post three wins, two draws and one defeat, are on 11 points.
“We had a good match against Highlanders. The team that we used was made up of players who are all from the squad.
“All the players put their hands up to be selected for the Simba Bhora match.
“Definitely, we will count them. We saw what our strength is like, but most of the players, if not who started when we played against Dynamos in our last league match, will start,” said Antipas.
Last weekend, Chicken Inn edged Dynamos 1-0 in what was their first win of the season.
Bruised DeMbare face a tricky assignment away to newbies MWOS at Ngoni Stadium, while Kwekwe United entertain Herentals College at Gweru’s Bata.
Scottland face take on Norman Mapeza’s FC Platinum in a potentially explosive clash at Rufaro today.
Online Reporter