Highlanders are motivated to put their defeat to FC Platinum at the weekend behind and take all three points in the big Bulawayo derby on Sunday.
The Baltemar Brito-coached side which is on top of the log with 41 points, slipped last week when they lost 2-0 to FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium, allowing second-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars to close the gap to just two points.
However, the Portuguese gaffer has apologised to the Highlanders fans for the loss, saying the team will rise as they face the Gamecocks, who were also held to a goalless draw by struggling Cranborne Bullets at Luveve Stadium last week.
“The preparations for the next match come after a defeat to FC Platinum. Unfortunately, last week was not a stable week for us. We missed some training because of the elections but we are not here to be crybabies. We knew that we would go to Platinum in the circumstances that we faced. Losing there was sad for us of course but it is something that Zimbabweans expected since the beginning of the season. Everyone expected Platinum to be a strong team, everyone expected them to be at the top of the log,” Brito said.
He added: “We lost to FC Platinum, a normal defeat for the general people of Zimbabwe… it is past, it is gone and now it is Chicken Inn. We are happy that this has been a normal week of preparations. We are preparing our team well. We know that it is a derby but what we will try to bring back is our consistency and the mindset that gave us 19 wins without defeat,” Brito said.
Midfielder Devine Mhindirira who suffered yet another injury against FC Platinum will have to pass a late fitness test while Mckinnon Mushore is out suspended after accumulating three yellow cards.
Chicken Inn gaffer Prince Matore said they have to avoid panicking when playing in front of a hostile Bosso fan base expected to throng Barbourfields Stadium.
“We cannot say because Highlanders lost and they are down because they are high-riding on top of the log and they are playing at home, so it is a tough match. Anything can happen in a derby. Maybe what is important is just to give it your best and the hungrier one will get the points. The match has a very big motivation because there will be a bumper crowd. We have to try and cool our nerves so that we don’t panic when the fans start chanting for Highlanders,” Matore said.
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Injured Brian Muza is doubtful for the derby but Chicken Inn welcome back Shepard Mhlanga from injury.
Other players who could cause upsets for Highlanders are Michael Charamba and George Majika.
Chicken Inn are on position five with 32 points, nine behind the Bulawayo giants with Manica Diamonds (36 points) and Dynamos (33 points) also keeping up the chase.
Ngezi Platinum Stars are away to Herentals at Mandava tomorrow as Manica Diamonds host Green Fuel at Gibbo Stadium.
