Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere Senior Sports Reporter
THERE will be no time for Highlanders and Chicken Inn to catch their breath this afternoon as the Bulawayo giants return to Castle Lager Premier Soccer League action in two demanding Week 27 assignments.
Highlanders welcome Herentals College to Barbourfields Stadium, while Chicken Inn make the trip to Harare for a daunting date with an in-form Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium.
The two Bulawayo rivals have barely had time to recover from their own bruising encounter after they played out a 1-1 draw at Barbourfields Stadium last Wednesday in a rearranged league fixture.
Now, just days later, the two sides must dust themselves off and go again.
For Highlanders, Barbourfields provides the perfect stage to bounce back to winning ways, but Herentals College will certainly not be coming to Bulawayo merely to make up the numbers.
Herentals head into their Bulawayo assignment as one of the league’s more consistent outfits, occupying fourth place on 45 points, while Highlanders sit seventh on 38 points and are keen to reduce the deficit on the teams above them.
With the intimidating Barbourfields atmosphere expected to provide an added challenge, Herentals coach Paul Benza believes his players are experienced enough to remain composed under pressure.
Benza said the team’s growing experience should help his players remain calm and focused despite the pressure that comes with playing before a large Highlanders crowd.
“Our players have gained enough experience at this level, so the big crowd should not unsettle them. They know how to handle such occasions and remain focused on the game,” said Benza.
However, Benza is aware that Highlanders can be a much tougher opponent on their home turf, particularly with their supporters behind them.
“Highlanders are a strong side anywhere they play, but playing at home gives them an extra edge. With their supporters behind them, we expect them to be even more difficult to beat,” he said.
The Herentals mentor says his charges will not abandon their approach and would regard a share of the spoils as a positive result against the Bulawayo giants.
“We will stick to the way we normally play and give our players the freedom to express themselves. But considering we are playing away against a big team like Highlanders, coming back with a point would still be a good result for us,” said Benza.
Bosso, who will be without services of their suspended captain Darlington Munkuli and striker Benjamin Benjamin Oluwarotimi Adeogun, will need to show energy, discipline and attacking purpose after the demanding midweek battle against their city rivals.
The home crowd will expect nothing less than a strong response from the players, particularly with every point becoming increasingly valuable as the season enters its decisive stretch.
Across the country, Chicken Inn face an equally stern examination.
The Gamecocks travel to Rufaro Stadium knowing that Dynamos are enjoying a rich vein of form and will be eager to make home advantage count.
Chicken Inn’s challenge will be to match the Harare giants’ intensity while remaining composed enough to take their chances when they come.
“We are ready for Match day 27, the team travelled well to the capital, the mood in camp is great, coming from a draw against Highlanders this past Wednesday, we are looking forward to a great game against Dynamos,” said Chicken Inn media officer Brighton Ncube.
He added: “Yes they are playing very well but the Gamecocks will also bring their A game for this fixture. We beat them at home in the first leg we hope to get maximum points on Sunday (today.)
The 1-1 draw against Highlanders last Wednesday showed the Gamecocks can dig deep in difficult matches, but today’s assignment demands another big performance.
With fatigue potentially becoming a factor after Wednesday’s bruising encounter, squad depth, tactical discipline and mental strength could prove decisive.
There is little time to feel sorry for themselves. The league waits for no one.
Highlanders must defend their backyard against a dangerous Herentals side, while Chicken Inn have to negotiate the intimidating Rufaro test against an in-form Dynamos.
Dynamos head coach Aristica Cioaba approaches the Chicken Inn clash with a focus on recovery, tactical preparation, and maintaining consistency, emphasising that his side has “no room for mistakes” during a demanding three‑match week.
Cioaba placed his squad in a five‑day training camp to prepare for three matches in seven days, including the Week 27 encounter against Chicken Inn.
“There was a need of quick recovery and tactical refinement after each match. We are chasing the top of the table, making every point crucial. To stay in the title race, we have to avoid his avoid mistakes,” said the PSL July Coach on the Month in the process reporting a clean bill of health and confidence in the team’s improved consistency.
Fixtures
Today
Dynamos v Chicken Inn (Rufaro)
Highlanders v Herentals (B/F)
Manica Diamonds v Ngezi Platinum (Sakubva)
— @FungaiMuderere.
