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Sports Reporter
VETERAN Menard Mupera is expected to make his return for How Mine tomorrow when the Bulawayo giant-killers face off with Highlanders in the quarter-finals of the Chibuku Cup at Hartsfield.Mupera has been out of action for over a month, struggling with an ankle injury.
New How Mine coach Luke Masomere yesterday said he was happy with the return of one of his experienced players ahead of the Derby.
The veteran midfielder has been a vital cog in the team’s success since gaining promotion last year but his performance has been affected by injuries this season.
“We welcome back Menard Mupera in the team. He has been training of late and he should be available for selection. He is one experienced player who can help stabilise our midfield and defence and I am sure his experience is needed in such big matches.
“But on a sad note we have knocks to Nyasha Mukumbi, Timothy January and Donovan Bernard and they have been ruled out of this game,” said Masomere.
How Mine are looking to put aside their poor run in the league marathon and continue with the fine form in the knockout tournaments.
Chikurupati have good memories against their illustrious city neighbours whom they beat twice in the league last year and then booted them out of the NetOne One Wallet Cup early this year.
Highlanders, however, have vowed to get their act together and put the Premiership upstarts in their place.
Bosso coach Kelvin Kaindu and his technical team have been trying hard this week to psyche up their players ahead of the clash with Chikurupati.
He said Highlanders have the capacity to rise from their disappointments.
“We are obviously trying to make sure they believe again. These are the guys that have been playing all along and they have done well for the team. We have no reason to doubt them at all,” said Kaindu.
However, Masomere yesterday cried foul over the frustrations they faced during their preparations this week as he alleged that they were denied access to the training ground.
Both teams were training at the match venue but Masomere alleged that How Mine were locked out of the stadium yesterday while Highlanders had access for their training sessions.
“It’s very unfortunate that we have been frustrated a lot this week. When we wanted to train today (yesterday) we found the stadium locked and we had to find an alternative venue at a local club.
“It happened again this week when we had booked the stadium and to our surprise we found Highlanders in the main arena and we were forced to train outside.
“If it was a mind game, then I would say it’s old fashioned and not good for football,” said Masomere.
Online Reporter