Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
JOEL Luphahla returns to familiar territory when he leads already-relegated TelOne against Highlanders in Bulawayo, but the former Bosso player and coach will be hoping to spoil the hosts’ ambitions of finishing the season on a high.
For Luphahla, the encounter carries special significance, having previously worn the black and white colours as a player before returning to the club in a coaching capacity.
He knows what Highlanders mean to Bulawayo football and the expectations that come with representing one of the country’s biggest football institutions.
However, sentiment will have to take a back seat when the two sides meet, with the TelOne coach determined to ensure his team does not allow relegation to define the remainder of their campaign.
TelOne’s fate has already been sealed, bringing an end to their Premiership stay, but Luphahla insists his charges still have something to play for as they seek to finish their campaign with dignity.
“We want to finish on a good note despite being relegated. I expect a good game of football from both teams. It is always good to come back to Bulawayo and face Highlanders, a team I have played for and also coached.
“I have great respect for the club and understand what it means to the people of Bulawayo.
However, football is about competition and we will go there prepared to give our best.
“We want to finish the season with our heads held high despite what has happened,” said Luphahla.
His remarks underline the challenge facing TelOne, who must find the motivation to compete despite the season that has been marked by inconsistency.
For TelOne, a positive result against one of the country’s traditional football heavyweights would offer a measure of consolation after a difficult season.
For Highlanders, dropping points against a relegated side would only compound the frustrations of a campaign in which they have struggled to consistently match their ambitions.
Luphahla’s homecoming therefore comes with competing emotions, but both technical benches will have their eyes firmly on the result.
The former Bosso man wants a respectable farewell to the Premiership, while his old club wants to finish the season with its pride intact.
TelOne won the reverse fixture.
Fixtures
Saturday
ZPC Kariba v CAPS United (Nyamhunga Stadium), FC Platinum v Triangle United (Mandava Stadium), MWOS v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Ngoni Stadium), Bulawayo Chiefs v FC Hunters (Luveve Stadium), Chicken Inn v Agama (Barbourfields Stadium),
Scottland v Herentals College (Rufaro Stadium), Simba Bhora v Hardrock (Wadzanayi Stadium)
Sunday
Highlanders v TelOne (Barbourfields Stadium)
