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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter—
FOOTBALL legend Douglas ‘British’ Mloyi has challenged Highlanders players not to show any respect for Caps United when the two giants collide in a blockbuster encounter at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow. A capacity crowd is expected to throng the venue to witness what might turn out to be one of the most exciting Castle Lager Premiership matches to be played at Emagumeni this season.
Bosso are coming from two scoreless matches in which they lost 0-2 to Chicken Inn before an away 0-0 draw to Mutare City on Thursday while Caps United are in high spirits following a 2-0 win over struggling Tsholotsho that propelled them to the top of the table. Makepekepe completed a double over Bosso last season, winning 1-0 at Emagumeni before cruising to a 3-1 win in Harare.
A fiery and no nonsense defender during his playing days that endeared him well with the hard-to-please Tshilamoya supporters, Mloyi said the boys must make sure they avoid disappointing supporters who would have parted with their hard-earned cash to come and cheer them on.
“There is absolutely no need to give or let alone show any respect for Caps United. Our guys must take Sunday’s game as any other, there’s nothing special about them (Caps United) which can make Highlanders inferior. Yes they are on top of the table but if they lose, which I’m praying hard they do, Highlanders will shoot back to the top,” said Mloyi.
He said the two games which Highlanders failed to win were now water under the bridge.
“A point away for me isn’t a bad result, so we need to forget about that game and focus on this one. The team must not put themselves under pressure but just play their normal game. There’s also a need for them to avoid silly mistakes that can put supporters off. Having said that supporters must also rally behind the boys throughout the match regardless of the scoreline,” said Mloyi.
With skipper Felix Chindungwe out due to suspension, coach Erol Akbay might reshuffle his defence by throwing Erick Mudzingwa into the central defence to partner Peter Muduhwa. He also has Tendai Ndlovu as an option. Favourite son Simon Munawa will most likely keep his anchorman role.
Leading league and club scorer Bruce Kangwa will be the key man for Highlanders that will have a rookie strike force led by Prince Dube. Too much reliance on Knox Mutizwa has come back to haunt the Highlanders technical bench as they are now left with Dube and another rookie Nhlanhla Ndlovu who was recently recalled from Amagagasi where he was on loan. Veteran Ralph Matema is injury-prone but on a good day, can be a menace to many a defence. With a physically-imposing striker like Kasimero Chimbadzwa, Akbay ought to have gradually introduced him into the fray, even for 20 minutes or less and by now he could have fitted into the system.
The visitors will have veteran Leonard Tsipa, to lead their attack, ably supported by midfielders Moses Muchenje and ever-green Joel Ngodzo whose duel with Munawa could be interesting.
Big Edmore Sibanda will be charged with taking care of the goals. At Luveve today Tsholotsho take on Hwange in a match that will be beamed live on SuperSport.
Fixtures:
Today: Harare City v Chicken Inn (Rufaro), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Triangle United (Baobab ), Tsholotsho v Hwange (Luveve) SS
Tomorrow: Dynamos v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro), Border Strikers v How Mine (Dulivhadzimu),
FC Platinum v Bulawayo City (Mandava), Chapungu v Mutare City Rovers (Ascot), Highlanders v Caps United (Barbourfields).
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