Vusumuzi Dube
Fungai Muderere, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS head coach, Kelvin Kaindu is wary of the threat that their former player Bruce Kangwa among other veteran CAPS United players is likely to cause when the two teams meet in a potentially exciting Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie at Rufaro Stadium in Harare this afternoon.
Warmly known as the “Battle of the Cities,” the football menu comes after a week-long Fifa international break that saw the Warriors engage in back-to-back matches against Kenya and Cameroon in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification Group J matches that were played in Uganda.
‘It’s one of our most important games that we will be playing. We are playing a team that is currently on form. They have gone for five games without a defeat, I think they have picked up their form and playing Caps United away from home is not going to be easy.
“But we have been slightly better when playing away.
“Their seasoned and star players are really helping them and making a difference on the field of play. Bruce Kangwa is an important player in their set up, is one of the veteran players who can rise to the occasion, he has helped them to be where they are, they didn’t start very well. We will go and give our best.
“Yes, Kangwa can be very exciting, he is gifted in being defensive and offensive. We hope that we will manage him,” said Kaindu.
Kangwa is a former Bosso player who dribbled into the hearts of hordes of Amahlonyama fans courtesy of his ball artistry and wizardry before he left the club to go and play for Azam FC of Tanzania in 2016.
Besides him, Makepepeke also have seasoned players that include captain and Warriors right back, Godknows Murwira, industrious player-coach Rodwell Chinyengetere and predatory striker William Manondo, among others.
Going into today’s clash, Bosso will welcome the services of their midfield enforcer Melikhaya Ncube, the fully fit duo of Godfrey Makaruse and Never Rauzhi.
Ncube missed Bosso’s last league match against Herentals College due to suspension.
Makaruse and Rauzhi have been in the treatment room together with goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi, left back Archford “Piki” Faira”, midfielders Malvin Sibanda and Prince Ndlovu who are still in the club’s casualty ward.
Bosso will also not have the services of their new centre-back Arthur Ndlovu who is suspended after picking three yellow cards.
In the first leg encounter between the two antagonists, Bosso emerged victorious on a 2-0 score-line through first half goals by Andrew Mbeba and Mckinnon Mushore.
In other Week 26 PSL matches, after his spectacular performances in the Warriors colours in Uganda, Khama Billiat will take his show to Bulawayo with Yadah Stars where they are scheduled to take on Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium.
Hebert Maruwa’s TelOne will play host to log leaders Simba Bhora at Gweru’s Ascot Stadium while Bulawayo Chiefs take on Chegutu Pirates at Baobab Stadium.
Bikita Minerals have a date with ZPC Kariba at Sakubva Stadium.
Meanwhile, the draw for the 2024 Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals was conducted last Friday in Harare. Defending champions, Dynamos will face Yadah, while Highlanders will play Simba Bhora.
Ngezi Platinum Stars and Caps United were drawn together with the fixture between Manica Diamonds and FC Platinum completing the quarter-finals fixtures schedule.
The games will be played during the weekend of September 21 to 22.
Today’s PSL Fixtures
Caps United v Highlanders (Rufaro), Bikita Minerals v ZPC Kariba, (Sakubva), Chicken Inn v Yadah (Luveve), Chegutu Pirates v Bulawayo Chiefs (Baobab Stadium) TelOne v Simba Bhora (Ascot Stadium). —@FungaiMuderere
Online Reporter