Bosso’s Barbourfield’s run

HIGHLANDERS have a brilliant chance to consolidate their stranglehold on the summit of the Castle Lager Premiership standings with a somewhat favourable fixture that will see them going on a five-match run at their favoured Barbourfields Stadium.

The run has already gotten off to a good start with last week’s 3-1 win over relegation-threatened Black Rhinos.

This afternoon they entertain across-town rivals How Mine, before engaging Bantu Rovers in the last game of the first round.

They start their second round campaign with back-to-back clashes against the duo.

The 2006 champions, with just one defeat, are leading the race with 24 points, one ahead of the chasing duo of bitter rivals Dynamos and Caps United going into round 14 of fixtures.

Bosso have done commendably well at B/F over the years and hope is abound in the black and white camp that the five-match run at their favourite hunting ground will brighten prospects that took a knock after the defeat to Dynamos in week 12.

Spirits were further dampened by the departure of key players — Kuda Mahachi, Milton Ncube and Peter Moyo — for greener pastures, while Khumbulani Banda is undergoing trials in South Africa.

Coach Kelvin Kaindu reckons Bosso can make the best of their Barbourfields run and lay a firm foundation as they bid to halt their eight-year title drought.

“Playing at Barbourfields, where we obviously command a lot of support, is an advantage for us.

“First and foremost, the guys are comfortable here and the fans tend to make it difficult for the visitors; so hopefully we will make the most of it without necessarily putting ourselves under pressure.

“But it’s not only at Barbourfields where we have played well, I think we have done commendably well on the road, and that explains our points tally.

“The win against Black Rhinos was the kind of response we needed coming from a defeat to Dynamos and one hopes we will continue from that slate against How Mine,” he said.

Bosso have to date dropped points just thrice at Barbourfields, sharing the spoils in 1-1 identical stalemates with Chicken Inn, Hwange and FC Platinum.

Having lost the league crown on goal difference in the last two seasons, Kaindu’s men have registered impressive wins at home, with the 4-0 mauling of Caps United a stand-out result that helped them to the best goal difference of 14, compared to Dynamos’ five.