The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube in Bulawayo and Tobias Mandoreba in Hwange
HIGHLANDERS whose strikers are in the casualty ward will look to midfielders for goals when they clash with neighbours Chicken Inn in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League derby at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon. Bosso gunmen Prince Dube, Kasimero Chimbadzwa and returnee, Nhlanhla Dube are all out with injuries leaving veteran Ralph Matema as a lone striker.
Highlanders coach, Erol Akbay said they would have to convert some of their midfielders into strikers to partner Matema upfront. He said injuries have been their undoing in the second half of the season but he was looking to recover from the three consecutive defeats they have suffered and post a win this afternoon.
Akbay said losing three matches had put a dent to a promising season but feels they can still recover and close the gap with the league’s top two, FC Platinum and Caps United who are first and second respectively. Bosso are third on the log with 31 points while FC Platinum are perched at the top with 37 points while Caps has 35.
“I wouldn’t say there is any pressure on my side but the reality is that Highlanders is a big team and we cannot afford to lose another match after losing three on the trot. We cannot even afford to lose one but this is part of football and we have to pick ourselves up and win. It is unfortunate that we have lost players to other teams and injury within a short space of time affecting our rhythm,” said Akbay.
He said they would change their style of play if they were to regain their winning ways. The Dutch mentor said the result of the previous fixture, which Chicken Inn won 2-0, would not have a bearing on the game insisting they were focused on getting back to the top of the log.
In the absence of forwards on the Bosso bench, midfielders Rahman Kutsanzira, Allen Gahadzikwa, Brian Banda, Adrian Silla or Simon Munawa would be thrown into fray to partner Matema. Highlanders have only beaten Chicken Inn once since the side was promoted to the top flight 2011.
On the other hand, things have not been rosy for Chicken Inn coach, Rahman Gumbo since he took over from championship winning coach, Joey Antipas and the recent resignation of assistant coach, Thulani Sibanda will come as no comfort. Sibanda threw in the towel citing failure to reach set targets. The defending champions are 10th on the log with 23 points from 18 games.
The absence of reliable midfielder Clemence Matawu could prove to be a blow to Gumbo and he has to make do with replacements. Options available to Gumbo include Tafadzwa Kutinyu, Chris Samakweri, Thabani Goredema and Brian Juru.
Former Bosso strikers, Obadiah Tarumbwa and Ozias Zibande could prove match winners against their former masters, with the former proving very dangerous when given some space.
Meanwhile, the eagerly anticipated mouthwatering clash between Hwange and Caps United this afternoon has roused the usually quiet coal mining town of Hwange to life as the atmosphere super charged in the build-up to the cliffhanger duel set to attract a huge crowd at the Colliery Stadium.
Both sets of fans exhibited overflowing confidence in this epic duel which comes at an appropriate time when the league has reached the business end of the marathon. Sunday Sport took to the streets of the town to hear the views from both sets of supporters.
“The boys always get to the best of their form when playing big teams like Caps and I have no doubt that Chipangano will collect maximum points this afternoon.” said Maybin Dizomba, the Chipangano supporters’ chairperson.
Lwendulu Village-based Misheck Ncube added that the coal embers would engulf the Green Machine. “The coal flames are raging and come end of day, the Green Machine will be doused in ashes and I am confidently predicting a 3-0 score line.”
James Sibanda also said they were already geared up for huge celebrations in the town after the game. Lusumbami Village-based Dominico Sibanda is banking on the young Gift Mbweti’s blazing form to inspire the coalminers.
“Firstly I salute coach Mebelo Njekwa for introducing young blood like Mbweti which has changed the complexion of our team. He is on fire and will ensure Makepekepe go back to Harare empty handed.”
Not to be outdone, the Makepekepe legion of fans in Hwange were singing from a different hymn book with the Hwange chapter chairperson Gabriel Chikomo vowing that their chase for the title will not be derailed.
“We are men on a mission and I am declaring that the green machine will be firing from all cylinders despite Hwange being difficult to beat at their home ground.” he said.
Constantine Mhike from Railways said it was time to separate boys from men. “We are going to show Hwange the difference between meat and chunks as there is a big gap in class. We have already started plans for a big after party,” he declared.
Ephias Chimuka from Baobab Hill said the attacking prowess of the Green Machine would carry the day in this fiery contest. Mpumalanga-based Joseph Masakadza said Makepekepe are champions in waiting and would garner maximum points.
“Caps are marching towards the champions podium so I don’t see foresee Hwange, who are stubborn at home at times stopping us anyhow as this should be our year.” he said. Last year Caps won 1-0 at the Colliery Stadium in an explosive tie while the coalminers won 2-1 in the reverse fixture in the capital.
Fixtures
Today: Dynamos v Bulawayo City (Rufaro), Highlanders v Chicken Inn (Barbourfields), Hwange v Caps United (Colliery).
