The Sunday News
TITLE chasing Highlanders will be cautious of the threat posed by city rivals Bantu Rovers when the two teams meet in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixture at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo this afternoon.
While Bosso have never lost to Tshintsha Guluva in five previous meetings between the two teams, Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu is aware of the threat posed by Bantu Rovers and is not counting on past results ahead of today’s clash. In the five matches played between the two teams, Highlanders have won three with the other two ending in 0-0 draws.
The Methembe Ndlovu-coached side became the first team to score more than a goal against Bosso so far this season, which should give them a lot of confidence going into today’s encounter. The first meeting of the season between the two Bulawayo teams ended in a 4-2 victory for Highlanders at the same venue two weeks ago. It was the first time in their history that Tshintsha Guluva have managed to score any goals against Highlanders.
Last season, Highlanders performed poorly against Bulawayo teams with just a point collected from a possible 12 points. They lost twice to How Mine, went down to Chicken Inn and secured a draw against the same team.
Kaindu said at this time of the season, competition becomes a lot tougher as teams start gunning for the title while others aim to avoid relegation. So far, they have done exceptionally well in derbies with wins over How Mine and Bantu Rovers while they got a point from Chicken Inn.
“Every game we play is a different game altogether, we are not leaning on past results. The second half of the season competition becomes tougher as teams start fighting for the title while others fight against relegation.
“A derby is never easy, we know we won the first match but we are not counting on that,’’ said Kaindu.
Highlanders go into the match without the services of injury sidelined Rahman Kutsanzira, Simon Munawa and Gabriel Nyoni.
On the latest signing of wing forward Tapiwa Dephistara who was unveiled last week, Kaindu said the player was already showing signs that he could make an impact at the club. Kaindu could not commit on whether the player is going make his debut at Emagumeni this afternoon.
With Munawa out, Kaindu will once again have the headache of finding a player to occupy the problematic rightback position. Erick Mudzingwa could drop back from the midfield into defence or youngster Graciano Chakafana could be given a run on the right side of the Highlanders backline. Skipper Innocent Mapuranga, Bruce Kangwa and Dumisani Ndlovu are sure to complete the Bosso rear guard, provide enough shield for either Munyaradzi Diya or Ariel Sibanda in goals.
Welcome Ndiweni, a rejuvenated Joel Ngodzo, Valentine Ndaba, Mthulisi Maphosa, Dephistara and Knox Mutizwa will fight it out for starting slots in the midfield.
With Nyoni out injured, the task of banging in the goals falls on the feet of 2010 Soccer Star of the Year Charles Sibanda who has hit the back of the net 10 times so far this season. Sibanda is expected to be partnered by either Ozias Zibande or Cleopas Dube.
Ndlovu, a man with a history with Highlanders as a player and coach said with the position Bantu Rovers find themselves in, they really need to get something out of today’s match, even if it is just a point.
The man who last delivered the championship for Highlanders in 2006 said he hopes his players have learnt a lot from the first half of the season which saw them record just four wins, two draws, nine losses, scoring 15 goals while at the same time conceding 23 times.
“With the position we find ourselves in, we need to get something out of the match against Highlanders. The first half of the season is gone, we hope we have learnt from our past mistakes. We really need to get something out of this match, we are going to put our best effort,’’ said Ndlovu.
He revealed that they have reinforced their squad by making a number of signings, one of them being Dalubuhle Moraka, a striker who was based in England, recommended by their contacts.
According to the club founder, Bantu Rovers have also promoted a number of their players from the Under-18, which leaves them with only two slots just in case some outstanding player comes along.
Bantu Rovers will have to do without the services of veteran forward Obadiah Tarumbwa, out due to suspension after accumulating three yellow cards. Ndlovu, while expressing his disappointment at the non-availability of Tarumbwa is confident that the players at his disposal can deliver.
Veteran defender Herbert Dick, Zephaniah Ngodzo, Sizalobuhle Dube, skipper Nqobizitha Masuku, Copa Coca-Cola success story Bukhosi Sibanda, Tafadzwa Kutinyu and Moses Majika are some of the players Bantu Rovers would be banking on to secure their first ever triumph over Highlanders.
Meanwhile, the capital city comes to a standstill for the third week in a row when Dynamos and Caps United square off at the National Sports Stadium.
The league match between the two Harare giants ended in a 1-1 stalemate two weeks ago with Dynamos beating their rivals 1-0 last Sunday in the One Wallet Cup.
In other matches lined up across the country, bottom of the log Chiredzi take on Buffaloes, Shabanie Mine clash with across town opponents FC Platinum while Hwange take on Harare City.
