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Sikhumbuzo Moyo
BULAWAYO giants Highlanders and their Matabeleland South neighbours How Mine are looking forward to a positive start to their second and final round of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League when they play host to two Harare giants Caps United and Dynamos respectively. The gold miners get the ball rolling in the revival campaign this afternoon against Dynamos at Luveve Stadium. DeMbare who are coached by the 2012 Coach of the
Year Callisto Pasuwa handed the gold miners a 3-0 drubbing in the reverse fixture.
Tomorrow, the city will be turned into a sea of black and green when Tshilamoya comes face to face with a new look Caps United at Emagumeni with a defeat for Highlanders not an option.
Highlanders are going through their most difficult patch since Zambian Kelvin Kaindu took over, losing three back to back matches, an unprecedented record for a club as big as Highlanders. They lost 0-1 to city neighbours Chicken Inn at home, came back with a 1-2 defeat to Caps United at the National Sports Stadium before bowing out of the lucrative BancABC Sup8r Cup 3-1 on penalties to FC Platinum.
Bosso will have to be at their best to come out winners in tomorrow’s battle that promises to be full of thrills and spills. Their multitude and ever vociferous supporters will probably be needed more than any other time to spur the boys on and prove that there is still hope of a first ever league title in seven years. Kaindu is aware of the task that lies ahead.
“It’s the right attitude and character from our players and us coaches that will carry the day for us. It’s the self belief that we can do it as we have done it before and with our fans cheering us on, I am sure something positive will come out,” said Kaindu.
He said in the reverse fixture the team played well but their biggest undoing was failing to convert the numerous chances that came their way, something which they have been working on.
He refused to comment on the possibility of a new face in the line-up tomorrow. His side though welcomes back the tried and trusted midfield general Mthulisi Maphosa who missed the loss to FC Platinum.
Morale in camp has reportedly been low due to outstanding bonuses but the club has promised to clear the backlog anytime from tomorrow depending on the turnout.
However some observers have blasted the players for not being sincere on money issues as they have let slip the potential $235 000 in prize money since the beginning of the season.
Highlanders failed to win the $100 000 prize money in the Bob Super Cup in which they were handpicked together with Dynamos and last week blew away a chance to pocket $120 000 in the BancABC Sup8r Cup.
They were also beaten in the Independence Cup which carried $15 000 prize money.
With Chicken Inn blowing an opportunity to go three points clear, Highlanders could find themselves enjoying a two point lead with a win tomorrow.
Meanwhile, How Mine coach Philani Mabhena, who is always clever with his words, said they were looking forward to taking on the reigning champions this afternoon.
“It’s always a great opportunity to play against big sides and tomorrow (today) is no different,” said Mabhena.
He said their 3-0 loss to the same opponents in Harare was now water under the bridge and believed his boys actually played excellent football despite the big margin defeat.
How Mine have gone for five games without a win and in the process scored just a single goal when they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Triangle at home.
“Our Achilles heel has been our conversion rate. The team plays and creates good chances but fails to convert.
“We have been working on that and I hope we will be able to deliver,” he said.
He reported a clean bill of health.
Third placed Dynamos who welcome Bulawayo born former Hwange player Francesco Zvikumbawire are however cautious of the gold miners.
“This is a new game on a different ground.
How Mine are a very good team with three quarters of the guys having vast experience in Premiership football.
“So we must not sit on our laurels,” he told our Harare Bureau.
They will be missing their leading marksman, Washington Pakamisa, who suffered an injury in their 2-0 win over Buffaloes in the BancABC Sup8r Cup, an absence that will give Zvikumbawire, who is yet to impress, a perfect opportunity to show what he is made of.
The Dynamos backline should be wary of the slippery Simba Sithole, reported to be on the Highlanders radar, Simon Njeleza and young Ndiweni.
In the midfield How Mine will have the battle hardened Mernard Mupera who will battle it out with Stephen Alimenda.
Captain Herbet Dick, Brighton Dube and Khumbulani Banda will have to be at their best to safeguard their territory.
How Mine will have to do without three of their key players – goalkeeper Pedzisai Gumiremhete, defender Gilbert Banda and midfielder Thandazani Ndlovu for the DeMbare game due to suspensions after picking three yellow cards each.
In the absence of Banda, either Dube or Brighton Choto will partner Dick in central defence with goalkeeper Nonjabulo Dube starting. Timothy
January is an automatic replacement for Ndlovu on the left side of How Mine’s midfield.
Outside Bulawayo not so safe Hwange are away to championship chasing Harare City, a team they mangled 4-1 in the reverse fixture and without doubt the Bigboy Mawiwi boys have revenge on their minds.
Today: Black Mambas v Triangle (Morris Depot), How Mine v Dynamos (Luveve), Harare City v Hwange (Rufaro)
Tomorrow: Buffaloes v Tripple B (Sakubva), Black Rhinos v FC Platinum (Rimuka), Motor Action v Monomotapa (Motor Action), Highlanders v
Caps United (Barbourfields)
Suspended players:
Prosper Matizanadzo (Buffaloes), Obrey Chirwa, Ali Sadiki (both FC Platinum), Blessing Sande, Charles Mutero (both Motor Action), Tawanda Nyamandwe (Caps United), Dumisani Ndlovu, Peter Moyo (both Highlanders), Gilbert Banda, Pedzisayi Gumiremhete, Thandazani Ndlovu (all How Mine), Honey Chimutimunzeve, Ben Nyahunzi (both Black Mambas), Pardon Chinungwa (Triangle United), Ephraim Mwinga (Tripple B)
Online Reporter