The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
WHEN Highlanders were enjoying a turnaround in fortunes under Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu, they were well aware that the fine run would eventually come to an end.
It ultimately came last Sunday when they were beaten 2-1 by Caps United last Sunday, which brought their unbeaten run in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League under Mpofu to a halt. Highlanders had gone for five matches without tasting defeat since Mpofu took over from Madinda Ndlovu at the beginning of last month.
What makes this afternoon’s fixture interesting is the fact that they are facing Lloyd Chitembwe twice in a week. Chitembwe was in charge of Caps United when they burst the Bosso’s bubble last Sunday and this afternoon, he is at the helm at Harare City, having joined them a day after beating Bosso with Makepekepe.
Mpofu has indicated that he did highlight to his players that the fine run would be halted and what is crucial is how they react after a defeat. The Bosso gaffer was pleased with the way the team fought hard against Caps United in the second half, something he believes makes things easy as they gear up to face Harare City at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
“We spoke about this during our course and said to the boys we will one day lose the game, the most important thing is the response thereafter which is very important. The only positive thing that I can talk about is the performance that we did against Caps United especially the second half, the way we play we played, the way we wanted to get an equaliser was so impressive.
“I think that’s a good encouragement for the boys that we really played well but we lost the game so it becomes easy when we start the week in preparation for the next game,’’ Mpofu said.
His desire is to ensure that Highlanders are not easy to conquer at Emagumeni. With Chitembwe, in charge of Makepekepe last Sunday now with the Sunshine Boys, Mpofu is mindful of the fact that Harare City, languishing in the bottom half of the table would want to turn around their fortunes.
“We want to make Barbourfields a fortress, we really want to make things even difficult for these teams that visit us, we don’t want to lose at home. I know Harare City have not been playing well, they have got a new man on the job, obviously they really want to give their best, it’s not going to be easy for us but I think after the second half performance that we did against Caps United if we can maintain that momentum playing at home again I think it’s going to be very difficult for Harare City to get something out of that game,” Mpofu said.
The Bosso coach is certain that Chitembwe has done his groundwork, something he has also carried out, which sets the tone for an exciting fixture.
“I am meeting again a tactician, he will do again his homework, I will also do the same homework, of course maybe he has got not different personnel that he is going to use, again I think Harare City have got good players, they have been having good players since they came into the PSL, it’s going to be exciting game but we really need to get three points out of that game.”
Harare City might be struggling this season but they have always given Highlanders a tough time since their entry into the PSL in 2012. They might have won just four of the 15 meetings with Bosso but six of those fixtures have concluded in a draw. Harare City won the last fixture in the capital city at the start of the season with a resounding 3-1 score line, which means Bosso will be going out for revenge.
Nqobizitha Masuku, who missed the trip to Harare through suspension, makes a return against Harare City, with the defensive midfielder likely to find his way back into the starting line-up to make up the midfield with the impressive Divine Mhindirira, Bukhosi Sibanda and Mbekezeli Sibanda.
Skipper Ariel Sibanda leads the team from the back, with his cover at the back likely to be provided by Peter Muduhwa, Tendai Ndlovu, Andrew Mbeba and Mbongeni Ndlovu.
Prince Dube, on target only once this season is under immense pressure to hit the same form he displayed in 2016 after yet a number of missed opportunities against Caps United. Dube and Ray Lunga are the goal scoring hopes for Bosso this afternoon.
Harare City have experienced players capable of causing problems for Highlanders. Marshal Machazani, William Manondo, Martin Vengesai, Walter Mukanga, Raymond Uchena, Moses Muchenje and Kudakwashe Musharu have seen it all on the local scene.
These are athletes able to break the hearts of the Bosso fans come the end of the 90 minutes this afternoon.
In the only other fixture lined up for this afternoon, Dynamos face Chicken Inn at Rufaro Stadium.
