By Mehluli Sibanda
STUTTERING title chasing Highlanders would be searching for a double over How Mine when the two Bulawayo teams clash in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo this afternoon.
Highlanders were held to a goalless draw by another Bulawayo team, Bantu Rovers, at the same venue last Sunday and are now under pressure to win if they are to keep alive their hopes of their first league title since 2006.
Over the years, Bosso have faltered when it matters the most allowing fierce rivals Dynamos to beat them to the title race. A win today will put their aspirations of being Zimbabwean champions back on track.
Highlanders take on How Mine who have suffered four losses on the trot and will look to further compound coach Philani Ncube’s woes should they win.
Last season, How Mine took all the six points from Highlanders which proved costly when the Bulawayo giants, for the second year in a row lost out on the championship to Dynamos on goal difference.
In the first meeting between the two Bulawayo teams, Bosso beat Chikurupati 2-1 with the Highlanders goals coming from Gabriel Nyoni and a spectacular, rare strike from makeshift defender Simon Munawa while How Mine got their consolation from Edmore Muzanenhamo.
A fortnight later, How Mine knocked Highlanders out of the NetOne One Wallet Cup at the quarter-final stage with a 4-3 win on penalties.
Bosso have been busy on the transfer market with the signing of players such as Tapiwa Dephistara, Pasca Manhanga and the return of stocky forward Njabulo Ncube.
Dephistara, signed from Chiredzi was not even on the bench against Bantu Rovers last Sunday and it is yet to be seen if he is going to be given his debut in Highlanders colours this afternoon.
Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu yesterday hinted that one of the latest acquisitions will play this afternoon. Kaindu believes that the draws are certainly better than a loss since all teams are fighting for a win and when things do not go their way, they would rather settle for a draw.
“The better side will win, it is better to draw than lose, every team is trying to win and when things don’t go our way we rather get a point. What is more important is that we remain consistent in getting maximum points,’’ said Kaindu.
Still out injured for Highlanders are Rahman Kutsanzira, Munawa and Nyoni while striker Cleopas Dube is away on trials in South Africa. Ariel Sibanda who has seen much action than any other Highlanders goalkeeper this season is sure to start again this afternoon with skipper Innocent Mapuranga, Erick Mudzingwa, Bruce Kangwa and Dumisani Ndlovu providing cover for him.
Mthulisi Maphosa, Felix Chindungwe, Knox Mutizwa, Welcome Ndiweni, Joel Ngodzo, Hillary Madzivanyika and Valentine Ndaba would be battling it out for starting slots in midfield for Highlanders where young Godfrey Makaruse is also an option.
Charles Sibanda, the league’s top marksman so far with 10 goals to his name carries Highlanders’ hopes upfront together with Ozias Zibande.
How Mine have to do without suspended hard tackling midfielder Xolani Moyo who has to sit out the match after accumulating three yellow cards. They have beefed up their squad with the signing of forward Caleb Masocha and Mandla Sibanda.
Ephraim Mazarura, Gilbert Banda, George Magariro, Wonder Sithole, Timothy January, Brighton Dube, Kudakwashe Musharu, Thembani Masuku and Morris Kadzola are some of the players capable of steering How Mine past Highlanders.
In other matches set for this afternoon, Caps United take on struggling Chicken Inn at the National Sports Stadium, Buffaloes square off with Shabanie Mine at Sakubva Stadium, resurgent Black Rhinos welcome defending champions Dynamos to Rimuka Stadium while Triangle and Bantu Rovers round off the weekend’s action when they clash at Gibbo Stadium. Sunday News
Fixtures Today
Caps United v Chicken Inn (National Sports Stadium), Buffaloes v Shabanie Mine (Sakubva Stadium), Highlanders v How Mine (Barbourfields Stadium), Triangle v Bantu Rovers (Gibbo Stadium), Black Rhinos v Dynamos (Rimuka Stadium).
