The Sunday News
HIGHLANDERS’ eager unknowns will once again carry the hopes of their faithfuls when they troop into Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon as they defend the ZNA Charities Shield which their predecessors won at the expense of seasoned campaigners Dynamos last year.
Last weekend Highlanders’ relatively young side, against all expectations, dismissed a determined CAPS United in a league encounter at the same venue. Already Dutch coach Elroy Akbay has set his sights on his team’s first silverware of the season, a feat that would redeem Bosso for the loss of the Independence Cup to Chicken Inn in April.
The Bulawayo-based team will go into the match a depleted side as they would be missing the services of their in-form striker, Bruce Kangwa who is in Tanzania on trials while defenders Benson Phiri and Honest Moyo and midfielder Rahman Kutsanzira are still nursing injuries.
Without Kangwa and Knox Mutizwa, it might be another tough task for young promising forward Prince Dube as he had a rather promising telepathic combination with the duo. Akbay said although Kangwa’s absence will be felt by his side they would have to soldier on and other players would have to fill in the void left by the utility player.
“Bruce’s absence is certainly going to be felt; as you saw in the game against Caps he was troubling three or four players at a time so not having such a player will impact on our game. We will be approaching the match like any other game because right now every match is like a cup final and we have to focus and prepare well,” said Akbay.
Akbay added he was also wary of Harare City whom he gave the unlikeliest praise for an “opponent’’ saying they were a good side and would not be pushovers. The Sunshine Boys themselves would not be having their full arsenal as veteran captain Themba Ndlovu and Jimmy Tigere are both nursing groin injuries while defensive midfielder Tendai Samanja has a stomach bug with Chrispen Dickson also out due to an injury sustained at training.
However, Moses “Bamboo” Chunga said they had able replacements and was optimistic they will beat Highlanders to claim the trophy, dismissing Highlanders’ fine league form.
“We are making the long trip to Bulawayo not for a holiday, but a cup final. We are in it because we earned it. So in as much as we respect Highlanders, they should not expect an easy match. I have told my boys that we need to win this one at all costs. We are going into the match with a winning mindset,’’ said the former Zimbabwe Warriors leading light.
“Besides the injured guys, all the other players are available for selection. I am going to field the strongest possible side for the match.
“Fans should get value for their money, that is my promise. We can smell the silverware, it should be ours.”
Winners of the final will walk away $12 000 richer while runners-up are guaranteed of $8 000. In the event of a deadlock, the game will go straight to penalties to decide the winners.
ZNA Staff Officer Grade One Fabian Chitungo said they were ready to host a fun-filled family outing at Barbourfields.
“We are ready to host a fun-filled afternoon at Barbourfields and urge fans to come in their numbers to witness the match. There will be lots of entertainment before, during and after the match. The game is for charity and being the only football match on today we expect a huge crowd,” said Chitungo.
Highlanders stuttered to the finals as they needed penalties to beat league champions Chicken Inn and FC Platinum at the quarter and semi-finals stages while Harare City dumped 2013 winners Caps United before knocking out ZPC Kariba on their way to the final. Gate charges have been pegged at $3 for the rest of the ground with the VIP tickets going for $5 and $10 for the VVIP.
Proceeds from the match will go towards ZNA’s five charitable organisations for members of the army and their dependants and these include the Tsanga Lodge Convalescent Centre in Nyanga for the rehabilitation of injured members of the uniformed forces, the ZNA Benevolence Fund for the welfare of troops on internal, external and international operations, Schools Welfare Trust for its five secondary and 12 primary schools and ZNA Widows and Orphans Charity which takes care of the widows and widowers of the soldiers before they receive terminal benefits.
