The Sunday News
HIGHLANDERS coach Bongani Mafu believes today’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against Chapungu at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon presents his side with an opportunity to prove that they have depth.
The Bulawayo giants have Gabriel Nyoni, Mthulisi Maphosa, Knox Mutizwa, Obadiah Tarumbwa, Rahman Kutsanzira all out injured.
In addition, they released midfielder Nqobizitha Masuku to the Young Warriors for the All Africa Games qualifier in Cameroon while striker Simba Sithole has been ruled out of today’s encounter to due to bereavement in his family.
Mafu is convinced that he has a lot in terms of player resources at Highlanders with any of the players he has in his books capable of delivering, something he wants to prove today.
“We want to show if we have depth, I believe that we have lots of depth. I am confident we can throw in any player and they will deliver. We have started off well, so far so good, two wins, one draw and one defeat,’’ said a confident Mafu.
“A lot of people will talk about our strikers’ inability to score but six of the strikers were injured when the defenders scored. We will give them the best game we can give them. Barbourfields Stadium is our home, we are looking for a win but it is not going to be easy, there is no team in the premier league that is given a definite win,’’ said Mafu.
The long injury list means Highlanders only have one fully fit natural striker in Thomas Chideu who is yet to find the target in a Premier Soccer League match for Highlanders. Another forward Ozias Zibande has made good progression together with midfielder King Nadolo with the two expected to be thrown in the fray in the latter stages of the match.
Highlanders, sixth on the log going into this weekend’s matches are sure to pin their hopes of a win on the exploits of Ariel Sibanda, Teenage Hadebe, skipper Felix Chindungwe, Honest Moyo, Webster Chingodza, Godfrey Makaruse, Erick Mudzingwa, Welcome Ndiweni, Simon Munawa, Tendai Ngulube, Edmore Muzanenhamo, Bruce Kangwa and Chideu.
Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino, whose side is yet to record a win this season said their preparations have been disrupted by injury to key players, attacking midfielder Maxwell Mavhuto and first choice goalkeeper Talbert Shumba.
According to Nyikadzino, their weakest link has been the failure to score, something they have been working on and hope to rectify today.
“We have not been scoring, we have been working on that area and hopefully we can rectify that against Highlanders, we have just been creating chances but we are not scoring,’’ Nyikadzino said.
Chapungu have only played three matches as their last match against ZPC Kariba was postponed due to waterlogged pitch at Ascot Stadium.
Last season, the two teams played out a goalless draw in Gweru at the beginning of the season before Highlanders won the last match of the season against Chapungu 2-0.
In other fixtures set for this afternoon, defending champions Dynamos meet Flame Lily at Gwanzura Stadium, Whawha take on Tsholotsho at Ascot Stadium, log leaders Triangle have a date with Caps United at Gibbo Stadium while Hwange welcome Buffaloes to the Colliery Stadium.
