Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS and Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions Simba Bhora clash this afternoon at Barbourfields Stadium in a blockbuster fixture that promises fireworks and a packed house.
Bosso, currently ninth on the log with 19 points, are desperate to bounce back after a 1-0 loss to Herentals and a goalless draw against Dynamos. A third straight poor result at home would only intensify pressure on the Bulawayo giants.
“We did not do well in our last two games. We will have to improve on that as the league resumes after the international break,” said Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu.
The spotlight will also fall on former Bosso star Joel “Dubai” Luphahla, now head coach at Simba Bhora, as he returns to a club where he made his name both as a player and briefly as a coach. While many fans remember his dazzling footwork from the late 1990s with fondness, his coaching stint ended on a sour note due to licensing issues.
Kaindu is well aware of the threat posed by his opposite number, but he is not pressing the panic button.
“Football is quite dynamic. You may have all the information disposable to you. You may have some advantages.
Luphahla has worked with Highlanders and the fans. He knows the Highlanders culture. He has been here as a player and coach, he has the advantage. But football being football is dynamic. I think 90 minutes will determine the outcome of how the game is going to be,” said Kaindu.
Luphahla, whose Simba Bhora side have been solid on the road, is bullish ahead of the big clash.
“I am hoping that we get three points. We have played well away from home. Of course, the three points won’t come on a silver platter but as the defending champions, we need to find a way to win the game,” Luphahla told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“We play in front of thousands of fans at Wadzanayi, so in terms of fans, I don’t think our boys will be under pressure. We have always played well there. The pitch is also good for our type of play and I’m hoping we are going there, in front of the Highlanders fans, to play our normal game.”
@FungaiMuderere.
