The Sunday Mail
SUFFOCATING premiership giants Highlanders will be gasping for oxygen in Harare against a rejuvenated Harare City in the Chibuku Super Cup semi final at Rufaro this afternoon.
It is, however, neither the scene nor the identity of the opponent which inspire confidence for any realistic Bosso fan who is desperate to see the black and white army turn the dark corner.
The visitors have nightmarish memories of their trips to Harare this season where they have picked just one point out of a possible 12 with three defeats and a draw – against ZPC Kariba – in four matches.
Today’s opponent is that same one who humbled them 1-0 in week 23, the very challenger who derailed their title charge last season with a Silas Songani inspired 4-0 hiding at today’s match venue.
Shortcomings from their technical bench have been pointed as one of the reasons for their struggles and the departure of Zambian Kelvin Kaindu has not made any improvements as evidenced by last week’s 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Caps United.
Team selection in last week’s defeat and positional changes headlined by former captain Innocent Mapuranga’s slotting at the base of the midfield has heightened questions on coach Mark Mathe’s acumen.
But Highlanders today come a changed lot, Mathe can now call on the technical help of veteran Cosmos “Tsano” Zulu who returned to the club as technical advisor and the former reckons the latter’s arrival will aid the team.
“Tsano is not new to the team, he is a person with a lot of experience and we hope it will help us move forward.
“Results are the hallmark of every big team like Highlanders and it’s normal that when they are not forthcoming critics become louder.
“What is important is how then does one respond after being criticised,” Mathe said.
Mathe said the difficulties that Highlanders have encountered in Harare and the rough patch that they are currently in should give them a lift today.
“Harare has not been a very good hunting ground for us this season but it is such things that should inspire us to do well against Harare City.
“This is also a cup game and we will not have to labour to motivate the players as everybody wants to be in the final.
“We still have a lot to play for this season, not only in this match but even in the league because there are still 15 points to play for. What is only needed is for everybody associated with the club to pull in one direction,” Mathe said.
While Bosso have won just once in their last five league matches, City have no such worries as they have turned the corner having started the season on a low and have won three in the same period with one of the defeats coming last week at the hands on Norman Mapeza’s FC Platinum.
Masimba “Dutch Mentor” Dinyero will count on the striking duo of Osborne Mukuradare and speedy Martin Vengesayi, who scored a goal each as the Sunshine Boys came from a goal down to see off the challenge of a battling Chiredzi in the quarter-final.
James Jam, who was cautioned in the first round and the quarter final is suspended but Dinyero reckons he has more than enough arsenal in his amour for this afternoon’s battle.
“We have a competitive group to pick a team from. The guys are preparing well and are quite relaxed ahead of the challenge. We have been working on a few shortcomings especially in front of goal that saw us losing last week and hopefully we will come right.
“Highlanders might be having a few problems but this is a cup game and it has no regard for all that, the best team of the day will simply progress,” said Dutch Mentor.
Veteran defender David “Diaspora” Kutyauripo, who appears to be getting better with age will likely partner Arnold Chaka in shielding Maxwell Nyamupanedengu’s goal.
The host’s defence will probably have a busy afternoon against Charles Sibanda who has been one of the outstanding performers this season.
Sibanda together with Felix Chindungwe and Dumisani Ndlovu scored a goal apiece in the quarter-final to give Bosso a 3-1 win over How Mine and will be expected to come in handy for Mathe’s men this afternoon.
Striker Gabriel Nyoni who pulled a hamstring on national duty will join fellow front runner Njabulo Ncube and midfielder Joel Ngodzo on the sidelines.
