Problematic voltage: Bosso seek first ever win over ZPC

26 Jun, 2016 - 13:06 0 Views
Problematic voltage: Bosso seek first ever win over ZPC Erol Akbay

The Sunday News

Erol Akbay

Erol Akbay

Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS face a firm challenge to their fine run so far in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League when they meet a problematic ZPC Kariba at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.

Bosso have never collected three points since Kauya Katuruturu got into the country’s top flight in 2014, with the best ever result that the Bulawayo giants have picked up being a 1-1 draw. ZPC Kariba have triumphed three times on the four occasions that the two teams have met.

In 2014, Highlanders came close to securing three points against the then newboys at Gwanzura Stadium when Erick Mudzingwa put them ahead with a header but former Bosso captain Innocent Mapuranga scored an own own goal for the encounter to conclude in a draw. ZPC Kariba hammered Highlanders 3-1 at Hartsfield Rugby Ground later on that season in a match which saw Bosso fans turn violent, throwing stones in anger. Kelvin Kaindu decided to step down a few days later as Highlanders coach since he felt the environment at the club was no longer conducive for him to operate under.

Last season was even a difficult one for Highlanders with ZPC Kariba claiming six points from them, a 2-0 victory at the beginning of the season was followed up with a 1-0 triumph at Barbourfields on the last day of the 2015 campaign.

Highlanders, under the guidance of Dutch coach Erol Akbay have started the season on a brilliant note with seven wins from 10 matches with two draws and one defeat. After their 2-0 victory over Border Strikers last Wednesday, Bosso went on top of the log as they took their points tally to 23, two ahead of Caps United and ZPC Kariba who were both on 21 heading into this weekend’s fixtures.

Bosso are in such brilliant form as shown by winning three matches in a row which includes a 2-0 triumph over bitter rivals Dynamos in Harare, the first time that they had taken three points from the Glamour Boys since they last did so in 2006.
ZPC Kariba have recorded six wins from 10 matches, drawn three times and tasted defeat on one occasion.

Akbay looks certain to select Njabulo Nyoni in goals for the third time this season as the veteran goalkeeper has kept clean sheets against How Mine and Border Strikers. Skipper Felix Chindungwe, Mudzingwa, Benson Phiri as well as Honest Moyo have been the trusted backline for Highlanders this season and they should be given the task of providing cover for Nyoni.

Depending on what formation Akbay wants to employ this afternoon, Peter Muduhwa can be thrown into defence with Mudzingwa playing in midfield.

Simon Munawa, Bruce Kangwa, Brian Banda, King Nadolo, Adrian Silla and Tendai Ngulube are the options for the Dutchman in the middle of the park. Kangwa has been in superb form going forward and has formed a deadly partnership with Knox Mutizwa and Prince Dube. Mutizwa is most likely to play his last match for Highlanders before he joins his new club Bidvest Wits of South Africa for their Absa Premiership pre-season.

Bustling forward Kasimero Chimbadzwa is another alternative for Akbay in the quest for goals.

Veteran coach Sunday Chidzambwa will look to the likes of Takabva Mawaya, Tawanda Munyanduri, Timire Mamvura, Tineyi Chitora, Limited Chikafa, Lincoln Zvasiya, Sylvester Appiah and Takudzwa Mahori to lead the electricity generators to their third win in a row over Highlanders.

In other matches lined up for this afternoon, Caps United welcome Bulawayo City to the National Sports Stadium while Hwange clash with Mutare City Rovers at the Colliery Stadium. The coal miners also go up against defending champions Chicken Inn on Wednesday.

The fixture was re-arranged because the Gamecocks had most of their players representing the country in the Cosafa Castle Cup in Namibia.

Fixtures
Today: Caps United v Bulawayo City (National Sports Stadium), Highlanders v ZPC Kariba (Barbourfields Stadium), Hwange v Mutare City Rovers (Colliery Stadium)

Wednesday: Hwange v Chicken Inn (Colliery Stadium)

Twitter: @Mdawini_29

Share This:

Survey


We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey

This will close in 20 seconds