Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, Sports Writer
FORMER Highlanders FC and Caps United defender Gift Lunga Junior believes Makepekepe’s poor run in the league makes them a dangerous side in the Chibuku Super Cup tournament.
The fading Harare giants face Highlanders in the quarter-finals of the knockout competition at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon. The Green Machine are on a nine-game winless streak and are fresh from a Harare derby defeat at the hands of Dynamos. Lunga said the Green Machine have only the cup competition to spare their blushes from the disappointing league campaign and that makes them a dangerous outfit.
“It’s anyone’s game but one thing for sure is that it’s going to be a tricky encounter. Caps United are not doing well in the league and they will want to make amends for that by doing well in the cup competition. Highlanders are also not in good form which makes it difficult to predict how it will pan out. However, matches between the two sides have always been exciting and you can expect that whenever the two teams meet. Having played for both teams, l can rest assured you this will be proper football and both sides will give it their all. Football fans will watch a good game of football,” said Lunga.
Highlanders have only won once in their last five games. They have not been lucky with injuries as they prepare for the big clash.
“As you are aware we have been going through a bad spell. We are trying all means to train harder to turn the tables but we have a very big challenge of injuries,” said assistant coach Madinda Ndlovu who is likely to be in charge in the absence of head coach Baltemer Brito who is away with the national team.
Bosso will be without defender Peter Muduhwa and holding midfielder Brighton Manhire who travelled with the Warriors. On the injury list are striker Calvin Chigonero, defender Archford Faira and goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda. Devine Mhindirira, Darlington Mukuli and Godfrey Makaruse are also in the treatment room. In the likely absence of captain Ariel Sibanda and Muduhwa, defender Mbongeni Ndlovu is likely to get the captain’s role for the big clash. Deservingly so as he has been one of the most consistent players in the Bosso line-up. Goalkeeper Sibanda’s absence will see either Raphael Pitisi or Reward Muza go between the posts for Highlanders.
Caps United edged Hwange 1-0 to progress to the quarter-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup. Hosts Highlanders who booked a quarter-final place by winning 6-5 on penalties against Bulawayo Chiefs are also not on a good run in the — @innocentskizoe.
Online Reporter