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Langton Nyakwenda
CHIBUKU Super Cup holders Bulawayo Chiefs have scoffed at reports that their house is on fire as they begin their title defence against high-riding Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
The build-up to this highly anticipated clash has been dominated by rumours that Bulawayo Chiefs players were disgruntled over non-payment of salaries.
The club also announced the addition of another coach, Johanisi Nhumwa, early last week. However, Bulawayo Chiefs owner Lovemore Sibanda insists all is well in camp.
The Ninjas dumped Bosso out of the 2022 edition at the quarter-final stage on their way to a historic and maiden title.
Chiefs beat Herentals 1-0 in a final that was watched by a near-capacity crowd at Barbourfields. “It’s shocking; we are not owing anyone.
“All the players were paid and they are getting their allowances each and every time,” said Sibanda in a rare press interview.
“People will always talk; it’s their right, but as Bulawayo Chiefs, we are concentrating on Sunday’s (today) game, which we want to win.”
A bumper crowd is expected at Barbourfields as Highlanders are having one their best seasons in years.
Bosso are unbeaten in 18 league games.
But contests between Highlanders and Bulawayo Chiefs, just like many a city derby, are usually tense and close. Their recent meeting in the league ended 1-0 in favour of Bosso.
The two teams are presently having contrasting fortunes in the league race.
While Bosso are unbeaten in 18 matches, Amakhosi have lost their last three.
Ex-Manica Diamonds coach Nhumwa has a task on his hands as he has to lift the players’ spirits.
Unfortunately, he has to do so against the top-flight’s team of the moment.
It is a real litmus test for Nhumwa.
“I was welcomed nicely here. Bulawayo Chiefs are a very big club.
“It is so amazing for me to be here,” he told the media. He believes Chiefs can match Bosso pound for pound.
“Every game is a new game but what I know is Bulawayo Chiefs are a good team that can match any team in the PSL, Highlanders included.
“Yes, they haven’t lost but they have some loopholes, which we will exploit,” he added.
“Football is football, you never know but from what I have seen so far, Bulawayo Chiefs are playing good football.
“Physically, the players are okay.
Chibuku Super Cup first round fixtures:
CAPS United v Hwange (Bata), Herentals v ZPC Kariba (Mandava), Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs (Barbourfields)
“Chibuku Super Cup is a big competition and when we get in there, the players will be ready to deliver.”
Chiefs boast the league’s top scorer Obriel Chirinda, who has banged in nine goals.
Incidentally, he was linked with a move to Highlanders during the mid-season window.
Rising midfielder Mthokozisi Msebe, the experienced Danny “Deco” Phiri and the evergreen Malvin Mkolo are some of the key players at Bulawayo Chiefs.
On the other hand, Highlanders coach Brito has been doing the talking on the pitch.
The Brazilian has built a solid side that is difficult to break.
Typically, Brito, who is a former assistant to renowned defensive-minded coach Jose Mourinho, has instilled the philosophy at Bosso, who have so far conceded only four goals in 18 league assignments.
Captain and goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda, who is protected by a back-four of Peter Muduhwa, Mbongeni Ndlovu, Andrew Mbeba and Archford Faira, has kept 14 clean sheets so far.
The unheralded Brighton Manhire has also been doing well as a defensive shield.
Upfront, Highlanders can bank on Lynoth Chikuhwa and speedy winger Ray “Ndori Ndori” Lunga.
Highlanders won the Chibuku Super Cup in 2019 under Dutch mentor Pieter De Jongh.
They bowed out in the quarter-final last season.
Online Reporter