Mbeba out of Kariba match…Yellow cards haunt Kaindu

A week after he admitted player suspensions were affecting his plans, Bosso coach, Kelvin Kaindu will once again have to do without another key player this weekend, this time, defender Andrew Mbeba.

Last Sunday, Bosso had to do without holding midfielder, Melikhaya Ncube owing to suspension and his absence was largely felt.

Just weeks ago, Bosso played Ngezi Platinum without their top scorer Lynoth Chikuhwa who was again suspended.

Kaindu, who over the last few weeks complained of lack of depth in some departments, looks set for another selection dilemma against ZPC Kariba this weekend. He will have to once again restructure his backline in the absence of Mbeba. Mbeba is among the players who have now accumulated three yellow cards and have been effectively ruled out of Week 12 fixtures.

The list released by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) also features the Ngezi Platinum trio of Kudzai Chigwida, Marvelous Mukumba and Gareth Madhake. Dynamos midfielder, Nomore Chinyerere and John Zhuwawo from Herentals are also suspended.

Manica Diamonds will also be without the duo of Enock Karembo and Tawanda Chisi. Mbeba picked up yellow card cautions in matches against Bulawayo Chiefs, Chicken Inn and the latest was against FC Platinum. His absence is likely to cause a headache for Kaindu who is now forced to make changes at the back. This season, Kaindu has preferred the central defence pairing of Mbeba and Peter Muduhwa. Possible replacements for Mbeba include Andrew Tandi, Brian Mlotshwa and Gillian Nyathi who can also play as a makeshift central defender.

Mlotshwa has partnered Mudhuwa before but his debut was not the best as he was subbed in the first-half of the game against Chicken Inn as he appeared uneasy on the day. This was perhaps as a result of stage fright as he was, for the first time, playing in front of a packed Barbourfields Stadium.

Given this game will be played away from home where there is less pressure from the crowd, it could be the right time to fuse Mlotshwa who proved his worth at Hwange last season before he was snatched by Bosso. Tandi, who is yet to hit full gear after recovery from a career-threatening injury last year, is another option for Kaindu. He has previously commanded a first-team jersey and could just grab the opportunity to make a loud statement.

Leftback, Archford Faira missed the game against FC Platinum last weekend due to injury and Kaindu will be hoping he recovers in time for the game. In goal, it remains to be seen if Ariel Sibanda will reclaim his number one spot from Raphael Pitisi who conceded two goals last weekend against FC Platinum. Previously he had kept two clean sheets.

The return of Melikhaya Ncube from suspension will however, be a major boost for Bosso.

Fixtures

Saturday

Ngezi v TelOne (Baobab Stadium), Bikita Minerals v Chegutu Pirates (Sakubva), Herentals v Bulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro), Arenel v Yadah (Luveve Stadium), FC Platinum v Hwange (Mandava Stadium), ZPC Kariba v Highlanders (Nyamhunga)

Sunday

Chicken Inn v Simba Bhora (Luveve), CAPS United v Dynamos (Rufaro), Manica Diamonds v Green Fuel