Chihoro predicts tough Bosso tie

DYNAMOS manager Richard Chihoro says they will always respect Highlnaders and believes the outcome of Sunday’smatch against their big rivals will have a huge bearing on their chances of landing the title.

The veteran manager, who helped DeMbare win four league crowns on the trot between 2011 and 2014, said it’s too early to start talking about the championship, but said it’s such matches, against Bosso and DeMbare, which make the difference.

The Glamour Boys are still basking in the glory of a 2-0 victory over their city rivals CAPS United on Sunday, which PRETORIA. — Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has told Khama Billiat that his release clause will be triggered if he can rediscover the form that won him major individual accolades at the PSL awards in 2015/16.

Billiat has a season to run on his contract with the African champions and, at this stage, it does not look like he will extend his stay with the Chloorkop-based outfit.

Sundowns risk losing one of their most prized possessions for free at the end of the season if Billiat signs a pre-contract with a club of his choice in January.

“The right time is now [for Billiat to go overseas]. Let the business extended their winning streak to six successive games.

“If there is a team which we should respect at all cost, it is Highlanders.

“They might not be in top form at the moment, but they are always dangerous when we play them.

“We will not dwell much into what is happening to them at the moment.

“We know that they are not performing as well as we are doing, but it is matches against them whose result can make or break title hopes.

“Of course, as Dynamos we will take each match as it comes and we will not treat Highlanders in any special way, but what we need to do is go for the maximum happen. I speak to Khama and told him ‘if you can bring the performance you brought when you had all the balls [trophies] at the [PSL] awards’, then that release clause will be triggered,” Mosimane said. “So I say ‘come back and play at that level. You are worth that money (in the release clause)’.”

Mosimane, however, has warned clubs waiting to get Billiat for free at the end of the season they could be left disappointed if there’s someone willing to trigger his release clause in the January transfer window.

“If you want to sign Khama and he has six months to go on his contract.

“He is a hot player. Do you want points.

“The race for the title is still on and it is still early to start talking about it as all the teams in the top four have a good chance of landing it,” said Chihoro.

He said his charges are not looking beyond themselves.

“We remain grounded and keep on working hard. We have been working hard and I am very happy the results are coming.

“We want to avoid a situation whereby we will appear to be putting pressure on our boys.

“You see that most of the guys in the team are new and I am happy they have understood the meaning of playing for the institution.

“But what we will not do is to to wait six months to get him? Somebody is going to buy him in that six months. Trust me I have been there. Wait for six months and someone will buy him and you will be like ‘I thought I would get him for free’. I know these things, I have been around.”

He added: “It happened with Rivaldo (Coetzee). I could not wait. He was on the rebound from [Glasgow] Celtic and we had to strike at the right time.”

Despite talks being on hold over a new contract, Mosimane has not exiled Billiat from the squad.

The Zimbabwean player remains a key figure in the Sundowns squad. — Kick-Off. start talking of the title at the moment. We still have a lot to do. Chicken Inn are consistent and they have the experience to keep themselves on top.

“Ngezi Platinum and FC Platinum are also showing their class. So it is tricky at the moment. We will keep on working hard and see what happens at the end of the season,” he said.

Dynamos were awarded the maximum points after the first instalment of the Battle for Zimbabwe ended prematurely with the teams tied 1-1 when Bosso supporters threw missiles onto the pitch at Babourfields, forcing the match to be abandoned.

The Harare giants were beaten home and away by their biggest rivals last season.