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Augustine Hwata Sports Reporter
In 2007, Wonder Sithole was one of the star players in the domestic Premiership as he helped Harare giants Dynamos to reclaim the Premiership title, but a few years down the line, there was a time when people thought his career was over. The midfielder failed to shake off a nagging knee injury and another blow came in the second half of last season when Dynamos off-loaded him.
But Sithole, still had some unfinished business in the top-flight game as he joined Buffaloes on a season’s contract. An injury-prone but talented player Sithole has turned out to be one of the key players for army side Buffaloes as they brace to face Bulawayo giants Highlanders in the Mbada Diamonds Cup quarter-final tie at Mucheke on Sunday.
For Sithole, the match will be like a homecoming show after he spent a number of seasons at Mucheke during his days at Masvingo United.
That was when he was at the peak of his powers with his cluttered left foot ensuring that many visitors to Masivingo left Mucheke empty-handed.
The Mbada Diamonds Cup game is coming just seven days after the two teams clashed in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Sakubva that ended in a 1-1 stalemate with Bosso scoring just two minutes from time to salvage a point.
“I think now it’s tricky because we know a bit about Highlanders while at the same time, they also got an insight into how we play.
“We have to be cautious on how to approach this game. As Buffaloes, were are looking forward to winning the game and proceed to the next round of the competition,” said Sithole.
Sithole is hopeful that all his team-mates will be available for selection for the Mbada Diamonds Cup tie.
“Personally, I have fully recovered from injuries and I think my game is getting up again,” said Sithole.
In the league match, Sithole created the Buffaloes’ goal after he was hacked down by Eric Mudzingwa and the hosts were awarded a penalty.
Sithole will not be short of support from the fans that used to idolise him during his days at Masvingo United before moving to the capital with Dynamos in 2008.
Buffaloes coach Timothy Masachi is also upbeat on their chances of storming into the semi-finals of the knock-out cup. During last weekend’s league match, Buffaloes and Highlanders shared the spoils, but there has to be a winner this time around and Masachi smells victory.
“We could have won the game at the weekend but they were fortunate to get an equaliser after we scored an own goal late in the game.
“Our player Lloyd Katongomara turned the ball in his own net when he attempted to clear a cross by Bruce Kangwa. I think we are on top of the situation and we should be picking off from where we left,” said Masachi.
Following their draw at Sakubva last Sunday, Highlanders coach Kevin Kaindu was left fuming over the poor state of the pitch, but Masachi has come out in defence of the venue.
“A little of bit rain fell before the game and we have no control over that. We have played many teams at Sakubva and never heard them complain much. Maybe we should settle the issue on a neutral venue,” said Masachi.
Masachi believes Buffaloes have the capacity to power their way to the final and claim the Mbada Diamonds Cup which he feels sentimentally belongs to them.
“Diamonds are mined in our province and maybe we need to play well so that we also keep the trophy,” Masachi said.
The other Mbada Diamonds Cup quarter-final clashes will see CAPS United meeting the unpredictable Chicken Inn at Ascot while Harare City play Hwange at Dulidadzimu.
CAPS United have just weathered a storm that had been sparked by Taurai Mangwiro’s announcement that he had quit the club on Sunday only for the coach to reconsider his decision and bounce back into the dressing room on Tuesday.
In what now appears to have been more of an emotional decision, Mangwiro dropped a bombshell soon after their 3-1 loss to Shabanie Mine in a league match at Maglas.
However, Mangwiro reversed his decision after meeting the club’s executive and just like he did in August 2008, Mangwiro also left Masvingo United in similar style after painting a gloomy picture of the state of affairs at the busmen.
Harare City have mounted a strong challenge for the Premiership title and their cup credentials will be put to the test when they face a Hwange side that is still bouyed by their sensational 4-2 win over Dynamos at the Colliery.
Mbada Diamonds Cup fixtures:
Saturday: Caps United v Chicken Inn (Ascot), Harare City v Hwange (Dulibadzimu)
Sunday: Dynamos v How Mine (Rufaro), Highlanders v Buffaloes (Mucheke)
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