Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT’S clear to any local football enthusiast that Highlanders face a daunting challenge this afternoon. They are set to visit Nyamhunga Stadium, a venue where they have consistently struggled to secure maximum points.
This will be the 19th encounter between the two sides. In the previous 18 matches between these rivals, Highlanders have failed to overcome ZPC Kariba at their home ground. Nyamhunga Stadium has proved a tough nut to crack for Kelvin Kaindu’s men.
ZPC Kariba have been particularly stubborn opponents for Highlanders at Nyamhunga, where the ‘black and white army’ has been repeatedly denied maximum points, managing only five draws.
Highlanders have only managed to beat ZPC Kariba four times at Barbourfields Stadium. ZPC Kariba, for their part, have made the long journey from their base to Barbourfields to defeat the Bulawayo giants on four occasions.
ZPC Kariba have inflicted three defeats on Highlanders at their stronghold, Nyamhunga, a fortress that has even caused Kaindu concern ahead of today’s encounter. Adding to the challenge, ZPC Kariba are yet to lose at home this season.
“I think Kariba have done quite well since the start of the season, they started off from where they left last season. They are from picking up a draw against Ngezi Platinum Stars where they managed to score two goals. They (ZPC Kariba) are consistent, we are travelling to their home ground, a very tricky ground,” said Kaindu.
However, the Zambian manager finds encouragement in his team’s improved results this season against Bikita Minerals, Yadah Stars and FC Platinum, all of whom proved difficult opponents in the last campaign.
“Last season we failed to beat teams like Bikita, Yadah and also FC Platinum who beat us home and away. But this season, we have managed to pick points from all the three teams. We will try and use that to our advantage when we face ZPC Kariba,” said Kaindu.
Highlanders will be without injured duo Talent Dube and Gillian Nyathi, who sustained injuries in their previous league match against FC Platinum. Highlanders’ experienced goalkeeper and captain, Ariel “Mangoye” Sibanda, who has been attending the Zifa D Licence Goalkeeper Coaching Course that was expected to conclude yesterday in Bulawayo, has also not made the trip to Kariba.
Highlanders are in fourth position with 18 points, three ahead of eighth-placed ZPC Kariba. The Bulawayo football giants are undefeated in their last five games, having won twice and drawn three times.
TODAY’S FIXTURES
FC Platinum v Bikita Minerals (Maglas), TelOne FC v Yadah FC (Ascot), ZPC Kariba v Highlanders (Nyamhunga), Herentals v Ngezi Platinum (Rufaro), Simba Bhora v Triangle Utd (Wadzanayi), Manica Diamonds v Scottland (Sakubva), Chicken Inn v Greenfuel (Luveve), MWOS v Kwekwe Utd (Ngoni)
Catch all the action on our sister channel ZTN Prime (DStv Channel 294).
This Saturday, tune in for live coverage from Rufaro Stadium as Herentals host 2023 champions Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Watch it live on ZTN Prime, don’t just read about it.
