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Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THERE’S more than just three points at stake when Highlanders clash with TelOne at Bata this Saturday.
It’s a showdown laced with emotion, revenge, form and fire.
The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League weekend kicks off with one of the most anticipated fixtures on the card, as resurgent giants Highlanders square up against a confident and in-form TelOne side who have taken the early stages of the season by storm.
The build-up is made even spicier by the fact that Bosso will attempt to disconnect the Wifi Boys without the burden of suspensions unlike seven other teams who will be without key men due to accumulated yellow cards.
Those unavailable include Mpumelelo Bhebhe (Chicken Inn), Lawrence Mhlanga (Manica Diamonds), Tapiwa Chilenga (TelOne), Tanaka Shandirwa (CAPS United), Ansa Botchway (Scottland FC), and Mathew Murambiwa (MWOS).
Despite missing only their captain Andrew Mbeba, who remains sidelined with injury, Highlanders head coach Kelvin Kaindu expressed satisfaction with his squad.
“This is our second away fixture after drawing nil-all against Ngezi Platinum. We’re happy with how we’ve trained, save for Mbeba, who still needs a week or so. Thankfully, his injury wasn’t as bad as initially feared,” said Kaindu.
Bosso’s hopes will rest on in-form stars like Brighton “MaNinja” Ncube, Melikhaya Ncube, Mason Mushore, energetic Never Rauzhi, and the returning Archford Faira.
But the real plot twist revolves around TelOne striker Washington Navaya, a man on fire and on a mission. Facing his former paymasters, Navaya is not just the league’s joint top scorer with seven goals in seven games he’s a man transformed. Tall, rangy, and ruthless, he is the Wifi Boys’ main signal, having just scooped the March Player of the Month award.
His coach Herbert Maruwa has urged him to stay focused and not let emotion cloud his performance.
“He mustn’t put pressure on himself. Just focus on the game, not the past. He knows what he can offer,” said Maruwa.
It’s a crucial match for both teams. TelOne sit fifth on 11 points, just one ahead of seventh-placed Bosso. A win for either side could shake up the top half of the log.
Maruwa, who has built a well-balanced squad packed with experience, remains optimistic: “Highlanders are a massive club. But we’ve had a good start. With our full squad available, I’m confident the boys will handle the pressure.”
The Wifi Boys are not just relying on Navaya. They’ve added seasoned campaigners like former Dynamos captain Frank Makarati, creative midfielder Bruno Mtigo from Ngezi Platinum, and forwards Gerald Bero and Tawanda Macheke from Manica Diamonds.
Bosso, meanwhile, are still searching for their cutting edge, despite a strong defensive base.
Elsewhere this week, Herentals face GreenFuel today at Rufaro, while MWOS meet Simba Bhora at Wadzanayi on Saturday. Chicken Inn are away to Manica Diamonds at Sakubva, and ZPC Kariba host newcomers Scottland FC at Nyamhunga.
Sunday sees Dynamos return to Rufaro Stadium to face Kwekwe United, desperate to arrest a worrying slide.
Weekend Fixtures:
Friday: Herentals v GreenFuel (Rufaro Stadium)
Saturday: TelOne v Highlanders (Bata), Bikita Minerals v Ngezi Platinum (Gibbo), Yadah v CAPS Utd (Rufaro), FC Platinum v Triangle (Mandava), ZPC Kariba v Scottland (Nyamhunga), Simba Bhora v MWOS, Manica Diamonds v Chicken Inn (Sakubva)
Sunday: Dynamos v Kwekwe United (Rufaro)
Friday: Herentals vs GreenFuel – LIVE from Rufaro
Saturday: Yadah vs CAPS United – LIVE from Rufaro
Build-up begins at 2.30PM on both days.
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Online Reporter