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Innocent Kurira in BULAWAYO
KELVIN Kaindu believes their battle with high-flying Manica Diamonds this afternoon would have had better appeal if it had been played on a Sunday.
The Highlanders coach is preparing to host the Premiership’s in-form team at Barbourfields today.
“I think the fact that we are playing a team that is in good form makes this game very interesting. It’s unfortunate it has come mid-week otherwise it would have been even more exciting if it was played on a Sunday.
“It will be important for us to get back on track against Manica.
“The morale in camp is high and I am confident we will do well,” said Kaindu.
The Zambian coach said Archford Faira and Godfrey Makaruse were being monitored to see if they will be fit to play this afternoon.
“In terms of preparations you need to plan because of the fixture congestion. We have to plan on training and also traveling. We played in Kariba at the weekend.
“We are back at home for the mid-week and we travel again this weekend to play Green Fuel.
“The hectic schedule makes it difficult for players, who have picked up knocks, to recover.
“We are still assessing Faira and Makaruse to see if they are fully fit to play. For now, they are doubtful for the game.”
Bosso will welcome back Andrew Mbeba, who missed the ZPC Kariba game at the weekend, while serving suspension.
Kaindu’s men once led the Premiership standings but a recent slump has left them four points behind Manica Diamonds.
Interestingly, Highlanders led Manica Diamonds by seven points after four matches.
Highlanders last won in the league on April 28, when they beat CAPS United 2-0 at Barbourfields.
Bosso have hiked gate charges for the big showdown.
The gate charges are usually US$3 for the rest of the ground but fans will pay US$5 this afternoon while the wings will be US$10 and the VIP tickets will cost US$20.
“This is a passionate appeal to you all football-loving people. You have supported your team in your beautiful thousands and we need to always acknowledge and thank you…Siyalincoma. Siyalibonga,” said Bosso in a statement.
“Thursday 23rd is another big home game for us! Siqondana le log leader. Bakithi, asibuyeni ngobunengi bethu and fill up eMagumeni, sing and support our team.
“Our unique power and our biggest foot forward as Highlanders is the 12th man, you, our amazing army of supporters.
“Thank you to PSL for allowing us to raise the gate charges a little. The costs of the club have been a real challenge of late.”
Fixtures
Highlanders v Manica Diamonds (Barbourfields), Dynamos v Arenel Movers (Rufaro)
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