Fungai Muderere
THE country’s elite football log leaders, Highlanders will for the second consecutive week plunge into another stern test of character when they meet cross town rivals Chicken Inn in a Bulawayo derby set for Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
Bosso go into the match after suffering a 2-0 away loss to defending champions FC Platinum.
Bosso head coach Baltemar Brito on Thursday said their defeat to Pure Platinum Play was now water under the bridge.
“We want to apologise to our fans for the loss to FC Platinum, they are the champions, they are better resourced and they played well against us. It’s now past as we look forward to another big game against Chicken Inn. We expect a tough game against a club that has a good project. But they should also brace for a good challenge from us,” said Brito.
Chicken Inn are coming from a one all draw with Cranborne Bullets and their head coach Prince Matore emphasised on the need to get an early goal so as to unsettle their opponents.
“Derby matches are always difficult, players from the two teams know each other very well. We can’t say our opponents are down when they managed to go for 19 games without a loss. Anything can happen on Sunday. We expect a bumper crowd which would also be a good motivation to us.
“Our boys should not panic when the Bosso fans start singing, they should just cool their nerves. There will be a need for us to be cautious and guard against conceding early. But we should try and get an early goal,” said Matore.
The two sides played out to a goalless draw in the reverse encounter. Bosso go into the encounter sitting on top of the log with 41 points and Gamecocks are on number five with 33 points.
It will be a Week 21 fixtures programme that will commence on Saturday with four-time champions FC Platinum making the trip to the City of Kings and Queens for their game against troubled Bulawayo Chiefs at Luveve Stadium. Relegation-threatened Cranborne Bullets entertain Harare giants Dynamos at Kariba’s Nyamhunga Stadium. In a Manicaland derby, Manica Diamonds meet Rodwell Dhlakama’s Green Fuel at Gibbo Stadium. Second placed Ngezi Platinum Stars will do duty against Herentals College at Mandava Stadium. Premier Soccer League (PSL) returnees Hwange will travel to Gweru to take on Sheasham at Bata Stadium while Simba Bhora fight it out with equally troubled Yadah at Baobab Stadium. On Sunday, CAPS United will play host to bottom placed Black Rhinos at Bata Stadium. Inconsistent Triangle will lock horns with ZPC Kariba at Gibbo Stadium.
Week 21 Fixtures
Saturday
Sheasham v Hwange (Bata), Simba Bhora v Yadah (Baobab), Cranborne Bullets v Dynamos (Nyamhunga), Herentals v Ngezi Platinum Stars( Mandava), Manica Diamonds v Green Fuel (Gibbo)
Sunday
Highlanders v Chicken Inn (Barbourfields),Triangle v ZPC Kariba (Gibbo), CAPS United v Black Rhinos (Bata)
