The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda Senior Sports Reporter
FRUSTRATED by five draws in the 10 matches, they have played so far, Highlanders would be looking to pick up maximum points when they square off against Triangle at Gibbo Stadium in Triangle this afternoon.While they remain unbeaten in the 10 matches they have played so far this season, the five draws might come back to haunt them at the end of the season.
Bosso coach Kelvin Kaindu is not yet concerned by the draws this season as he feels it is better than losing. However, Kaindu was adamant that they were going to Triangle to collect the much needed maximum points but was quick to add that they were not underating their opponents.
“The good thing is that we are picking up the points, which is certainly better than not getting any points at all. We have to work harder in the coming games to get the maximum points. Our opponents are capable of surprising us, while they are in a bad position they can raise the tempo,’’ said Kaindu.
Highlanders seem to be doing well away from home this season as shown by the wins they have recorded on the road. Last Sunday, the Bulawayo giants came from behind to salvage a point against FC Platinum with Charles Sibanda coming to the rescue of Bosso against his former paymasters.
For the sixth match in a row, Ariel Sibanda looks certain to be in between the goals for Highlanders after letting in three goals in the five matches he has guarded the posts since taking over the number one jersey from Munyaradzi Diya.
While Kaindu refuses to admit, the right back position is clearly a nightmare, where he (Kaindu) has tried Erick Mudzingwa and Simon Munawa before settling for the latter.
Munawa was terrorised by FC Platinum impressive winger Marshal Mudehwe for the entire match but it seems there are no choices available save for young Graciano Chakafana, so Kaindu is certainly going to stick with Munawa.
Skipper Innocent Mapuranga and Dumisani Ndlovu make up a strong centre back pairing with in-form Bruce Kangwa a sure starter at left back.
In the midfield, Mthulisi Maphosa, Peter “Rio” Moyo and Rahman Kutsanzira are still out injured. This leaves Kaindu with Mudzingwa, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Knox Mutizwa, Welcome Ndiweni and Valentine Ndaba to fight it out for slots in the starting line up.
Kaindu disclosed that striker Ozias Zibande would not make the trip to Triangle after picking up an undisclosed injury against FC Platinum. In the absence of the youngster, Charles Sibanda will lead the Bosso hunt for goals with assistance from Gabriel Nyoni, Milton Ncube and Cleopas Dube.
For the Biggie Zuze-coached Triangle, it has been a terrible time for them so far this season with just two wins from the 10 matches they have played, having lost six and drawn two matches. Last Sunday, they went down 1-0 to defending champions Dynamos in Harare. This was after a 4-0 drubbing they got at the hands of FC Platinum a week before.
Highlanders won the two matches between the two teams last season with a 2-1 triumph in Triangle and a 1-0 win at Barbourfields. The last meeting between the two teams in Bulawayo last year was full of drama as referee Bekezela Makeka sent off then Triangle skipper Limited Chikafa and goalkeeper Brighton Chipula for time wasting then went on to play 16 minutes of the referee’s optional time.
Bosso have already made a trip to the country’s Lowveld in April which proved fruitful for the Bulawayo giants who thumped Chiredzi United 3-0 at Chishamiso Stadium.
Defending champions Dynamos make the long trip to Hwange for a date with Hwange at the Colliery Stadium. The rivalry between the two teams was exacerbated in 2012 when Dynamos marshals assaulted Hwange coach Nation Dube and his assistant Mebelo Njekwa, leading to the duo being taken to hospital before a match at Rufaro Stadium which Dynamos went on to win 4-2.
DeMbare do not have fond memories of their last visit to Hwange as they were handed a 4-2 mauling by the coal miners.
Caps United look to turn around their fortunes when they entertain troubled Shabanie Mine at the National Sports Stadium.
Fixtures
Today: Triangle v Highlanders (Gibbo Stadium), Hwange v Dynamos (Colliery Stadium), Caps United v Shabanie Mine (National Sports Stadium).
