Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ALTHOUGH Highlanders believe red-hot striker Reason Sibanda is the main reason FC Platinum should be worried, Bosso’s defence could be key when the two sides clash in a heavyweight Castle Lager Premier Soccer League contest at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
Sibanda is riding high.
He scored a brace when Highlanders dismissed Yadah Stars last weekend, taking his season tally to five.
But more impressive was Bosso’s defensive effort, their fourth clean sheet in five matches, underlining just how balanced the Bulawayo giants have become this season.
At the heart of this newfound defensive resilience lies an unheralded yet effective pairing — Arthur Ndlovu (29) and Luckson Mukumbi (23).
Ndlovu joined Bosso from Arenel Movers, bringing with him experience and leadership.
Mukumbi is a product of the Highlanders’ developmental side, Bosso 90.
His football journey began at Dreamers Academy and continued through Gutu High School, marking a steady rise that is now attracting international attention.
South Africa-based scout Eric Bafana — best known for facilitating Tino Kadewere’s move to Swedish side Djurgardens and later to France’s Le Havre and Olympique Lyonnais — has identified Mukumbi as a special talent.
“Mukumbi is a natural baller,” Bafana told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“He has the potential to become one of the best defenders in the country.”
In 2021, Bafana secured a trial stint for Mukumbi at Cayor Foot Academy in Senegal, a renowned football nursery that exports over 100 players annually to Europe.
Scouts from France, Belgium, Norway and Sweden frequently visit the academy, making it a gateway to the continent’s top leagues.
Should Mukumbi and Ndlovu start this afternoon, they will be tasked with containing FC Platinum’s in-form striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya.
The forward was instrumental in their 2-1 win over CAPS United at Rufaro Stadium, netting both goals in a clinical display of finishing.
Highlanders and FC Platinum’s rivalry has simmered into one of the league’s most compelling stories.
Since FC Platinum’s promotion into the Premiership Soccer League in 2011, the two sides have met 12 times at Barbourfields.
Platinum holds a slight edge with five wins compared to Highlanders’ four, while three encounters have ended in stalemates.
Bosso, however, head into this clash on a strong footing.
They are unbeaten in their last nine matches since a shock 0-1 opening day loss to MWOS.
But coach Kelvin Kaindu remains grounded ahead of today’s litmus test.
“Last season we failed to beat FC Platinum, home and away,” Kaindu admitted.
“This season they haven’t started very well, by their standards, but they remain unbeaten. They are not scoring many, but they also don’t concede much.”
Much of Highlanders’ success this season has been built on grit and character.
Beyond Mukumbi and Ndlovu, the emergence of right-back Talent Dube has added another layer of steel to the side.
Last weekend’s 2-0 win over Yadah was yet another testament to Bosso’s depth and growing confidence.
As has become tradition, a massive crowd is expected at Barbourfields despite an increase in gate charges to US$5 for the rest of the ground.
And the fans have every reason to show up. After years of false dawns, belief is starting to return.
“We have a lot of youngsters performing well,” Kaindu added.
“But we respect FC Platinum. They have been in the system for a long time. Tactically and technically, they are very sound.
“They rarely change their approach. They stick to their philosophy and like to build from midfield.”
That midfield, led by the trio of Hagiazo Magaya, Devine Mhindirira and Brian “BB” Banda, will be central to Platinum’s hopes today.
For Banda, the occasion is especially meaningful; it marks his 100th league appearance for the Zvishavane-based side.
The former Bosso player returns to familiar turf, but with different ambitions.
Highlanders, too, have their own midfield dynamism in the form of Melikhaya Ncube and the Mushore brothers, Mason and McKinnon, who have been crucial in keeping the team’s tempo and structure.
Kaindu is clear: “We want to gauge ourselves using this game. It’s a true test of where we are.”
Barbourfields has been kind to Highlanders so far this season. In four home matches, they have won three and drawn one (against Scottland).
And their coach is not the only one who knows just how much that crowd can lift them.
“This is a massive game for us as a club,” said FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza.
“If we go there with a positive mindset, we can get a result. But we must be prepared.
“Highlanders have massive support; those fans drive the team. It’s never easy at Barbourfields.”
As the sun sets on Emagumeni today, one thing is clear: this is not just a game; it is a clash of ambition, belief and legacy. And the fans, as always, will be right at the heart of it.
Online Reporter