LOG leaders Highlanders have five players carrying injuries ahead of today’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie against Black Mambas at Barbourfields.
REPORT BY ALBERT MARUFU
The five players — midfielder Peter Moyo, utility player Erick Mudzingwa, captain Innocent Mapuranga and strikers Bevern Chikaka and Graham Ncube — picked injuries in their side’s 5-2 mauling of Monomotapa on Thursday at Rufaro.
The win, which saw Bosso topping the log with 23 points from 11 games, came as sweet music to the team that was on the brink of collapse following their shock 2-1 loss to How Mine last week.
However, today they face Black Mambas, a side that has been blowing hot and cold this season and ironically they claimed the scalps of Highlanders’ victors (How Mine) with a 1-0 win on Thursday.
Bosso coach Kevin “KK” Kaindu said he is not reading much into the victory over Monomotapa and his charges will have to fight the complacency that comes with winning by such a big margin.
“We are playing at home and we have to shove off the pressure that comes with playing at home. It will be a difficult match because Black Mambas have been playing well this season. Even their position on the log says a lot,” he said.
“A number of our players picked up knocks in the game against Monomotapa and among them are Graham, Mudzingwa, Mapuranga, Chikaka and Peter Moyo. Some of the knocks are not serious though,” he said.
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The club’s Player of the Year Masimba Mambare and goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya, who both missed the game against Monomotapa, are on national duty in Malawi. However, Mthulisi Maphosa, Milton Ncube and Bekhi Ncube are available for selection.
Black Mambas, who have in the past struggled at Barbourfields, will be missing the services of Nicholas Alifandika and the experienced Last Chibwiro. The duo is with the national team but still have Tsepo Ranthohoane and Kasimero Chimbadzwa.
Today’s Matches:
Highlanders vs Black Mambas (Barbourfields), Buffaloes vs Shabanie (Sakubva), Hwange vs Monomotapa (Colliery), Harare City vs Tripple B (Rufaro), CAPS United vs FC Platinum (National Sports Stadium,) Black Rhinos vs Triangle (Gwanzura).
