Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
MANICA Diamonds will be missing the services of three key players when they play host to Highlanders in match day 30 of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League at Sakubva Stadium on Sunday.
The fixture is one of the biggest games of the weekend as local football action returns after the international break.
Manica Diamonds coach Jairos Tapera yesterday expressed confidence despite missing three key players.
“We are ready for the game. I believe we have prepared well. Our target is to get as many points as possible in the remaining games, starting with victory against Highlanders,” said Tapera.
However, Tapera admitted a bit of concern over the unavailability of some of his players.
“The unfortunate part is we will miss some of our regular players in Tawanda Chisi and Trevor Mavhunga, who are both injured. Goalkeeper Tedious Baye is not feeling well and will not play in this game. Obviously, it becomes a disadvantage when you miss your key players, but we have to do with those available. This is also an opportunity for some of the players in the squad to show what they can offer us.”
The first leg at Barbourfields Stadium ended 1-1. Brighton Ncube scored for Bosso, while Tawanda Macheke netted for Manica Diamonds.
Manica Diamonds and Highlanders are tied on 44 points, with Highlanders third due to a superior goal difference.
Chicken Inn will be home to TelOne in a match they are favoured to win. They showed character on Sunday when edging Dynamos 1-0 with a good all-round performance at Rufaro Stadium.
They have an injury worry in Brian Muza who was substituted in the 27th minute and replaced by utility player Brendon Rendo.
Table-toppers Simba Bhora (60 points) lead second-placed FC Platinum by nine points. Simba Bhora are eying their maiden league title and as things stand, they are favourites to win it.
The log leaders will be travelling to the capital to face Herentals at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday afternoon in what should be yet another test of their title credentials.
On the same day, FC Platinum will welcome Yadah Stars at Mandava Stadium, while Chegutu Pirates are away to Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab Stadium.
Hwange, will make the long trip to Nyamhunga Stadium to face ZPC Kariba on Saturday, while Bikita Minerals play host to Greenfuel at Sakubva Stadium on the same day.
Bulawayo Chiefs clash with CAPS United at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.
Fixtures
Saturday: Bikita Minerals vs Greenfuel, Sakubva, ZPC Kariba vs Hwange (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum vs Yadah (Mandava), Herenetals vs Simba Bhora (Rufaro), Chicken Inn vs TelOne (Luveve), Ngezi Platinum Stars vs Chegutu Pirates (Baobab)
Sunday: Manica Diamonds vs Highlanders (Sakubva), Arenel Movers vs Dynamos (Barbourfields), Caps United vs Bulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro)
—@innocentskizoe
Online Reporter