adminEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
HARARE City hitman Osbourne Mukuradare has branded Sunday’s Chibuku Super Cup clash with Highlanders as a final before the final as they expect a bruising encounter at Rufaro.
The Sunshine Boys are looking forward to bounce back from the disappointment they suffered in the 0-2 home defeat to FC Platinum in their last league game at the same venue last Sunday.
However Mukuradare, who has powered City to the last four with a goal in each game in the first round and quarter-final matches, yesterday said they wanted to continue with their fine form in the 16-team tournament.
“This game is like a final to us, so we are taking it just as a final before the final. Everyone in the team is looking forward to a positive outing.
“All the players are ready and we are also happy that one of our key players Talent (Chawapiwa) is back in the fold.
“This being a Cup game, it’s self-motivating because of the obvious financial benefits. So we are not going to look at what Highlanders are doing on and off the field.
“We just need to concentrate on our game because we want to improve our performances as a team. What we are praying for is to correctly apply the game plan as instructed by the coaches.
“Highlanders are a big team compared to us and I think for that reason pressure is on them to do well. So we will not be distracted,” said Mukuradare.
The former Monomotapa man is one of the two leading scorers in the tournament on two goals together with Black Rhinos’ Lot Chiwunga.
Mukuradare, who rarely featured for City this season before Masimba Dinyero took over in the second half of the season, has been enjoying a rich vein of form.
“Masimba lifted me up since I did not get enough game time in the first half of the season. He gave me confidence and the spirit to believe in myself again.
“So it was not that difficult to regain my form. My teammates have also been very encouraging even when the chips were down,” said Mukuradare.
The players yesterday received a huge morale booster as they welcomed the club’s executive chairman Alois Masepe and secretary-general Mathew Marara at their practice session at Rufaro.
Mukuradare said morale was high in their camp.
“In terms of motivation I can say we are quite motivated. Our executive has also been there for us. They have supported us financially, we don’t have complains, and you can see our dress code here is nice just to show how serious we are as a club.
“They are here at training today (yesterday) to show their support. They have sacrificed their time to be here with us which means we are pulling in the same direction,” said Mukuradare.
Their opponents Highlanders are hoping to bounce back following a period of instability that resulted in the acrimonious departure of their Zambian coach Kelvin Kaindu.
“We have spoken with the players and we all agreed that things did not go well in our last game. We have to try and put that behind us and move on with life,” said caretaker coach Mark Mathe.
“This being a cup game, with monetary incentives, I think it’s self-motivating to the players. We are all looking forward to this match because there is a lot at stake.
“So we are coming there to fight, not that I underrate Harare City. They have been doing well under Masimba Dinyero and they are also aiming to win the cup.
“But I believe we want it the most.”
Fixtures
Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals
Tomorrow
FC Platinum v Black Rhinos (Rufaro)
Sunday
Highlanders v Harare City (Rufaro)
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