Zimpapers Sports Hub
BULAWAYO giants Highlanders’ pedigree on the road will once again come under scrutiny when they march into the cauldron of Sakubva Stadium this afternoon for their Week 30 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) encounter against Manica Diamonds.
The potentially exciting tie comes days after the conclusion of the FIFA international break that saw Zimbabwe record two victories over Namibia inside six days.
Before the break, Bosso dismissed visiting ZPC Kariba 2-0 in a match that was poorly attended following a fans’ boycott call that returned to haunt the Highlanders leadership.
This is because Bosso failed to break even from the turnstiles and resultantly breached the deal they have with the Bulawayo City Council, as there was a shortfall.
“It will be recalled that council stadia are hired on conditions which are reduced to lease agreements, which clubs sign at the beginning of the season and take possession of.
“For the avoidance of doubt, amongst the obligations of the lessee, item 4 of the lease agreement stipulates that ‘subject to clause 3 in respect of every football match at the stadia and other council fields, the council shall be paid 15 percent of the gross gate receipts or the hire fees or whichever will be deemed higher by the council,’’ reads part of the letter from Bulawayo City Council’s housing and community services department to Highlanders.
The municipality, which owns Barbourfields, felt short-changed after the poor turnout meant Highlanders could not meet the threshold for the standard ground rentals.
“However, in the match in question, council collected a meagre US$604,89 against a prescribed hire fee of US$1 495, thus translating to a shortfall of US$890,11. Against this background, council urges the club to pay up the difference of US$890,11 as a matter of urgency to ensure the seamless hosting of your next home match,” the council said.
“Finally, council is also alive to the cordial relations that exist between Highlanders Football Club and council, and the fact that the prevailing conditions of hire are favourable to the club.
“To this end, council least expects a recurrence of the same that might compel it to invoke unfavourable conditions of hire that will exacerbate the lack of fiscal space that clubs are facing.”
Away from their financial troubles with the Bulawayo City Council, Bosso return from the international break seeking to consolidate their bid for a top-four finish.
Manica Diamonds and Highlanders are tied on 44 points, having won 11 games and drawing as many times, while enduring seven losses apiece.
Bosso have a better goal difference.
Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu is optimistic his charges still have a chance to enhance their position on the table.
“The only thing that separates us is the goal difference. This makes it very interesting that both teams will be fighting for the fourth position,” he said.
I am sure it is going to be an open game. Everybody will want to get maximum points. Aspirations are still open. There are still a number of games to be played and points to be competed for and this is the most important game because we are tied on the points.
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“It’s probably one of the most interesting games of the season so far. We are even on points.
“If you look at the log standings, we have an identical number of games that have been won, an identical number of games that have been drawn and an identical number of games that have been lost.”
Bosso will welcome the Young Warriors duo of Prince Ndlovu and Mvelo Khoza from national duty in Mozambique, where they took part in the COSAFA Under-20 championships.
“With the coming in of the two Under-20 players, and the performances they displayed, we saw Prince scoring when they participated in the Under-20 competition.
“It’s a good motivation for the team and we just hope that they can duplicate that in the league as well,” said Kaindu.
Last season, Manica Diamonds, who are under the tutelage of ex-Warriors and Young Warriors gaffer Jairos Tapera, finished as runners-up and it is a development that has convinced the seasoned coach to continue hoping for another fine finish.
“Games against Highlanders are always difficult. However, we compete in the same league which means we will have to play and match them.
“While it is unfortunate that we will be without Trevor (Mavhunga), Chisi (Tawanda) and goalkeeper Tadios Baye, we will have to fight for another strong finish,” said Tapera.
Tapera’s men will have to pay close attention joint Premiership leading goal scorer Lynoth Chikuhwa, who will naturally be hard-pressed to increase his tally from 12.
The first meeting between the two sides ended 1-1 at Barbourfields on May 23.
Meanwhile, relegation-haunted Arenel Movers’ coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube has vowed that they are going to throw everything at visiting Dynamos when the two teams clash at Barbourfields this afternoon.
“We mustn’t respect them at all. We will need to throw everything at them from the onset and die once like a boxer,” he said.
“It is not going to be an easy match and if we are still dreaming about surviving relegation we will have to get a result against Dynamos.”
Dynamos edged the sweets makers 2-1 in the reverse fixture in Harare.
In another match today, CAPS United will welcome unpredictable Bulawayo Chiefs at Rufaro.
