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It is the second derby between the two clubs and with bragging rights at stake, the significance of this meeting between Philani “Beefy” Ncube’s Quelaton and Kelvin Kaindu’s Bosso, cannot be lost on anybody who casts so much as a cursory glance in the direction of the league table.
In the build up to the match, it is clear that the boys from both camps are naturally going to offer up to 90 minutes of the sort of tension and high drama that is synonymous with derbies like Manchester United versus Manchester City in England.
While the mathematics of tomorrow’s match will be simple enough for a child to understand — Bosso has to win and cement their lead on the table and Quelaton have to start picking up points in their bid to escape relegation, the permutations of the derby remain somewhat opaque.
Against a background of the fact that Quelaton held the red-hot Highlanders 1-1 in the first half of the season, a stern test awaits Bosso at Emagumeni.
Quelaton defence stalwart Prince “Ndongo” Ncube said they were looking forward to an interesting game.
“We have been playing some good football but unfortunately results have not been coming our way. Everyone is looking forward to the game and we are ready for Highlanders.
“Yes, they are a big side and we respect that but I think when we get into the field it’s all up to us to lose the points. It will be an interesting game and hopefully we will come out with a positive result,” Prince said.
Prince will fight for a position in defence with newly-signed Ndumiso Khanye who is likely to be unleashed tomorrow, Zibusiso “Mzimara” Sibanda and Sikhumbulani Dube.
Quelaton signed eight players — Khanye, goalkeeper Tapiwa Marime, Chipo Tsodzo, Peace Tshuma, Thulani Moyo, Andrew Sidambe, Tatenda Magayisa and Simba Manwere — in a move meant to try and lift them from the relegation zone.
Khanye, Tsodzo, Manwere and Tshuma are likely to be in the starting line-up with Marime who started training on Thursday sitting on the bench.
Quelaton will be without two key players — goalkeeper Wiston Chiwetu who pulled out a number of brilliant saves to deny Bosso a win in Week 15 fixture and Proud Zireni — a utility player. They are serving suspensions after accumulating three yellow cards each.
On the other end, Kaindu and his entire technical bench will certainly not have it easy as their midfield which has been ably anchored by Maphosa is likely to be weakened. Simon Munawa is likely to play the defensive midfield role for Bosso.
As for the rightback position, Lawson Nkomo becomes the natural option to replace Musasa with new signing former ZPC Hwange forward Cleopas “Balottelli” Dube likely to make a debut appearance in Bosso colours leading the team’s attack without the assistance of seasoned Graham.
At Luveve Stadium this afternoon, the Adam Ndlovu-coached Chicken Inn have a tricky date against “Giant Killers” Harare City in what promises to be a mouth-watering encounter.
City have so far beaten Dynamos, Caps United and Gunners before drawing with Highlanders. They will certainly give the Game Cocks, who will be missing the services of suspended Danny Phiri and Thabani Goredema, a torrid time.
Ndlovu said they had lots of respect for the visitors but they would be out for maximum points.
“It is important that we maintain our first half performance but since this is the second round, it will definitely be tougher than the first. Every team is geared up and everyone either wants to survive the chop or is gunning for the championship so it will be more competitive.
“As for Harare City, they are a good side and they are giant killers but we want to utilise home advantage and we will be out for maximum points,” Ndlovu said.
Ex-Hwange and FC Platinum midfielder Ntokozo Tshuma is expected to make his debut for Chicken Inn with seasoned William Kupera doing the same for Harare City.
Dynamos, who last Saturday continued their dominance over bitter rivals Caps United with a 1-0 victory at Rufaro, make the trip to Zvishavane for a rescheduled blockbuster tie against FC Platinum this afternoon.
DeMbare are six points behind Highlanders and their dominance over FC Platinum is likely to have a bearing on the result.
The two teams met thrice last season and DeMbare won all the matches. They played two league games and Dynamos won the first leg encounter 2-0 and reverse fixture 1-0 at Mandava to march on and clinch the 2011 Castle Lager Premiership championship.
Callisto Pasuwa’s boys went on to knock the platinum miners out of the Mbada Diamonds Cup when veteran former Dynamos striker Cuthbert Malajila, who wore the captain’s armband at Dynamos for the first time, struck the all-important goal that gave his side passage into the final of the 2011 Zimbabwe’s prestigious knockout tournament.
Fixtures
Today
Week 15: FC Platinum v Dynamos (Mandava Stadium).
Week 16: Chicken Inn v Harare City (Luveve), Monomotapa v Motor Action (Rufaro), Black Mambas v Blue Rangers (Morris Depot).
Tomorrow
Buffaloes vs Hardbody (Sakubva), Highlanders vs Quelaton (Barbourfields), Shabanie vs Gunners (Maglas), Hwange vs Caps United (Colliery).
Postponed: Dynamos vs FC Platinum (Rufaro).
Online Reporter