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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
How Mine coach Luke Masomere yesterday stoked flames ahead of their epic clash at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow, saying it was up to Highlanders to prove whether or not they are still football giants.
“It’s up to them really to determine that, but what I know is that Highlanders have a very good reputation which they must safeguard jealously. Bosso has a culture which we as How Mine don’t have, but are trying to create. You can’t take that away from them. I personally envy Highlanders’ reputation,” said Masomere.
He maintained that Bosso’s past reputation seems to frighten some referees whenever the two teams clash resulting in unprecedented biased officiating.
“I can be asked today as Masomere to be in charge of a Real Madrid and Bayern Munich match and I tell you I will handle it professionally because I will simply be applying what the rule book says. I won’t worry about who is playing, but our referees seem to be overwhelmed by the occasion whenever they officiate in matches involving Highlanders and I’m speaking here about matches involving How Mine, not any other team,” said Masomere.
The reverse league fixture in June ended 1-1 after Bosso were awarded a controversial penalty deep into the match when striker Thomas Chideu seemed to have impeded How Mine’s unsung defender Nelson Tachi only for the referee to point to the spot.
Last week, Masomere was again up in arms against referee Allen Basvi for his handling of their Chibuku Super Cup first round tie against Bosso at the same venue. He accused the referee of allowing the goal by striker Obidiah Tarumbwa from a direct free-kick to stand despite having awarded it as an indirect free-kick.
“Why are those decisions always going Highlanders’ way whenever we play against them?” said Masomere.
The gaffer said he will welcome back his twin strikers Mgcini Sibanda and Nefitary Ndale, who have been out through injury, for tomorrow’s game.
“Tawanda Muparati is also fully fit and may feature. Preparations have gone well and we’re looking forward to the match,” said Masomere. How Mine will come up against a Bosso who will be without six players.
The Bulawayo giants will be without dependable defenders Erick Mudzingwa, Teenage Hadebe, Douglas Sibanda, Honest Moyo and Wesbter Chingodzo.
Mudzingwa and Chingodza are out injured, Sibanda is not feeling well while Hadebe is on trial with Ajax Cape Town in South Africa.
Moyo and midfielder King Nadolo are serving a one-match suspension after picking up three yellow cards.
With Chingodza out, Bosso coach Bongani Mafu could pull back Simon Munawa into the right back position and throw Nqobizitha Masuku into midfield.
However, the big worry for Mafu would be whether Hadebe will fly in from South Africa in time for the match to partner Felix Chindungwe in central defence. In the event he fails, Peter Muduhwa, who was recalled from a loan spell at Bulawayo Chiefs, might be given his senior Bosso debut in that role.
Fixtures:
Saturday: Harare City v Dongo Sawmill (Rufaro), Chicken Inn v Chapungu (Luveve), FC Platinum v Hwange (Mandava), Tsholotsho v Triangle (White City), Flame Lily v Caps Utd Larfarge)
Sunday: Whawha v Buffaloes (Ascot), Dynamos v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro), How Mine v Highlanders (Barbourfields)
Online Reporter