Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS coach Kelvin Kaindu is calling for composure, resolve, and redemption as Bosso prepare to host a tricky Herentals College side in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Week 13 showdown at Barbourfields Stadium this Sunday.
Following a disappointing 2-1 loss to ZPC Kariba on the road, the mood in the Bosso camp is one of urgent reflection. But there’s no time to sulk, Kaindu wants a response.
“We just hope we get back on our feet after that defeat to ZPC Kariba,” he told journalists at Thursday’s media briefing. “We are preparing for the game against Herentals. We have not watched them, so we are relying on information we are getting from those who have watched them and the information we have from the last time we played them last season.”
The numbers don’t lie: Highlanders are fifth on the table with 18 points, one behind Herentals who sit in fourth. It’s a high-stakes clash, and for Kaindu, it’s not just about points, it’s about proving a point.
“It’s difficult to prepare for these games when you rely on information you hear rather than watching the team play,” he admitted. “They are no pushovers. They are one of the teams we failed to beat last season.”
And he’s right. Last year, Bosso squandered a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw away to Herentals before being stunned 1-0 at home in the reverse fixture. That sting still lingers.
“They are one team which managed to beat us at Barbourfields Stadium, so it’s not going to be an easy game,” Kaindu added, hinting at a score to settle.
In terms of team news, there’s cautious optimism. While dependable goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda remains out, and midfielder Talent Dube is under assessment, there’s hope for a timely recovery.
“Ariel Sibanda remains sidelined, and we are keeping a close eye on Talent Dube, who has been one of our consistent performers this season. We are hopeful he can recover in time to be part of the squad,” Kaindu said.
Better news comes in the form of defender Gillian Nyathi and full-back Archford Faira, both making promising strides in their return from injury.
“We are happy with the way Nyathi and Faira are coming along in their rehabilitation. Their return would be a big boost for us,” Kaindu noted.
Across the league, suspension woes hit hard. Former Soccer Star of the Year finalist Peter Muduhwa (Scottland FC) and prolific forward Obriel Chirinda (Ngezi Platinum Stars) will sit out this weekend after collecting three yellow cards each. Their absence will be keenly felt by their respective teams.
Scottland, currently in title contention, clash with Chicken Inn at Rufaro Stadium on Friday. Meanwhile, Ngezi Platinum, desperate to stay in the race, face Dynamos at Baobab on Saturday in what promises to be a gritty duel.
The pressure is mounting on Dembare, whose season has gone from frustrating to flat-out bizarre. After 12 games, the Glamour Boys have found the net just three times.
Elsewhere, table-topping MWOS travel to Chisumbanje to face an in-form Green Fuel side under the unforgiving sun of the southeast. At Rufaro, CAPS United will lock horns with Simba Bhora in Sunday’s marquee matchup.
Fixtures
Friday
Scottland v Chicken Inn (Rufaro Stadium)
Saturday
Kwekwe United v TelOne (Bata Stadium); GreenFuel v MWOS (GreenFuel Arena); Ngezi Platinum Stars v Dynamos (Baobab Stadium)
Bikita Minerals v ZPC Kariba (Gibbo Stadium); Yadah Stars v FC Platinum (Heart Stadium)
Sunday
Triangle United v Manica Diamonds (Gibbo Stadium); CAPS United v Simba Bhora (Rufaro Stadium) ;Highlanders v Herentals College (Barbourfields Stadium)
Don’t just read about the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, watch it live on our sister channel ZTN Prime (DStv Channel 294)!
This week’s action kicks off with Chicken Inn’s showdown against Scottland at Rufaro Stadium. On Saturday, watch Green Fuel face table toppers MWOS live from Chisumbanje. Wrap up the weekend on Sunday as Triangle take on Manica Diamonds at Gibbo Stadium.
Broadcast starts at 2:30 PM.
Be part of the action, only on ZTN Prime!
Peter Tanyanyiwa