Shabanie ‘not scared’ of high landing Bosso

By Mundandi in Zvishavane

SHABANIE Mine have revealed that they are not intimidated by high-riding Highlanders, whom they face this afternoon at Maglas in Zvishavane in a re-arranged Castle Lager Pre­miership fixture, and are ready to inflict Bosso’s first defeat in the championship race.

The miners have also enjoyed a decent start to the championship race and today’s fixture brings two in-form teams head-to-head.

“Bosso are a very good side and they are not on top of the log by mistake,” said Shabanie assistant coach, Elvis Muuya. “We are going to try and get something from them and the least we want is a point. “We are not intimidated despite the good players they have. We have a lot of respect for them.

“We also have good players who strive on teamwork just like them and all I can say that the fans are going to enjoy the match. We have achieved some good results and, most importantly, it was through the backing from the fans who have been behind us all the way.

“Morale is high in the camp after getting three points away from home last Saturday.” Shabanie beat Black Mambas 1-0 at Morris depot. The home team will this afternoon once again bank on the goal-scoring prowess of Nelson Mazivise, who is leading the scoring charts in the league.

Mazivise has made such a huge impact that Pervington Zimunya, who is highly rated and did well at Masvingo United, has been warm­ing the bench since the start of the season. Yesterday, Zimunya looked sharp in train­ing and could play a role today.

Francis Kanda, the former Bosso striker, also has some issues with his former paymas­ters and might choose the stage today to show them they were wrong to let him go. Tarisai Rukanda is the other former Bosso player who was deemed excess baggage by ex-Highlanders coach, Mohamad Fathi, but has found a new lease of life at Shabanie.

He was on target in the match against Mambas. Lennon Chisunga has also found his feet and has become an inspiration to the team. Coach Luke Masomere must be happy with the way his defence has handled the challenges, conceding five goals in eight matches to date.

Smart Muchabayiwa has been brilliant, supported by skipper Rodney Mware, William Ngonya, Blessed Mbavarira and the gangly ‘keeper, Victor “Maoko” Twaliki. Highlanders have been taking no prisoners in a good start for new coach Kevin Kaindu.

Playing as a unit, Bosso have surprised many observers with their good start and they were impressive when they were last here with a 3-1 demolition of FC Platinum.

“We respect Highlanders as our big broth­ers but this afternoon we need to show them we can also play a passing game just like them which we have nicknamed jungata,” said Samson “Sam Dread” Gondwe, the Shabanie welfare manager.

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