Battle of the Cities: Crippled Bosso face Caps
… as crippled Bosso face Caps
A POTENTIALLY exciting top of the table duel is in store for fans at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon when Highlanders and Caps United clash in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match.
The two sides have set the pace in the league and they occupy the top two positions going into today’s matches with Caps at the apex of the standings while Bosso are on second position, albeit with a game in hand. Highlanders will, however, go into the match crippled by the absence of five regular players with the game expected to test the depth of the cash strapped club.
Four players; Honest Moyo, Benson Phiri, Rahman Kutsanzira and King Nadolo are nursing injuries while the steadying influence of captain, Felix Chindungwe, who is suspended after accumulating three yellow cards, will be missed. Defender Peter Muduhwa, who has only made cameo appearance could also be absent due to bereavement in his family.
However, in the light of the setbacks Highlanders coach Erol Akbay was optimistic that the replacements would contain Caps whose win on Wednesday against Tsholotsho sent them to the top. The departure of Knox Mutizwa seems to have affected Bosso negatively as they are yet to score since his departure at the end of last month.
While the black and white machine has managed to turn on the heat this season they have dismally failed to stamp their authority in the vital midfield where they have come second best in as many games, something that has easily become their Achilles heel.
Bosso goalkeepers coach Cosmas “Tsano” Zulu said they would be soldiering on despite the financial problems affecting the club, adding the boys were committed to the team’s success. Highlanders players are owed winning bonuses for four matches while the technical department is owed dues for six games as the financial crisis bites.
Their opponents Caps have not been spared the financial turbulence either and last month players embarked on an industrial action over unpaid salaries and winning bonuses although the matter has been resolved. The Green Machine’s coach, Lloyd Chitembwe was at Sakubva on Thursday to spy on Highlanders, a sure sign of the importance of today’s game.
While the two sides have long been considered the country’s football giants, they have over the years lived in the shadows of their nemesis, Dynamos who have managed to outshine them although the two sides managed to clobber the Glamour Boys this season.
They are both out seeking glory and with Dynamos stuttering in the early stages of the campaign Bosso and Makepekepe can be forgiven for thinking this is the time to end many years of heartaches. Caps have been solid this season although they had stuttering moments failing to collect maximum points, something that had worried their multitude of supporters. But with the win over Tsholotsho, Caps are back on track.
With Edmore Sibanda in between the posts and Dennis Dauda, Ronald Pfumbidzai and Zvikomborero Bizeki providing cover in defence it will be a tough task for the Bosso attack that will be led by livewire Bruce Kangwa and an eager Prince Dube.
Fixtures Today: Highlanders v Caps United (Barbourfields), Dynamos v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro), Border Strikers v How Mine (Dulivhadzimu), FC Platinum v Bulawayo City (Mandava), Chapungu v Mutare City Rovers (Ascot)
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