FOCUS once again returns to the local league this week after today’s Warriors first round second leg African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier against Mauritius.
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The spotlight would be on clubs’ mid-season window transfer acquisitions. Before the break, to make way for the Warriors Chan tie and the harmonised elections, Harare City, the league pacesetters, had opened a three-point lead at the apex of the log standings beating FC Platinum 2-0 at Rufaro Stadium on July 20.
Highlanders are pursuing on 34 points after completing a double over Hwange with a 1-0 win at Barbourfields on 21 July.
Champions Dynamos had faltered after they were held to a goalless draw by Black Rhinos at Rimuka on July 21 and are two points behind Bosso while Caps United remain the dark horse, as they inch closer to the peak and sit on the fourth spot — a point behind the Glamour Boys.
After dismissing Monomotapa 2-1 Caps are square on 31 points with ambitious Chicken Inn who also failed to tighten their grip after losing 2-3 to Black Mambas in Harare.
Waning FC Platinum remained on 29 points after the loss to Harare City. Round 19 of the league takes off on Wednesday with Bosso heading to Harare where they will lock horns with Black Mambas at Morris Depot.
Highlanders have brought in two players in mid-season hoping to sharpen their blunt strike force and have trusted former Railstars Master Masitara and Motor Action’s Tinashe Chipunza to achieve that feat.
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The Bulawayo giants had gone for four league matches without a win until the Hwange victory from a solitary goal by midfielder Heritein Masuku.
The addition of Masitara and Chipunza comes under spotlight as the league resumes. Bosso chase the title that has eluded them for the past six years. Chicken Inn, probably anticipating a move by leading scorer Tendai Ndoro, brought in Clement Matawu and Dylan Chivandire with Evans Chikwaikwai bouncing back from injury.
Ndoro returned from trials in South Africa and so has Kudakwashe Mahachi. Head coach Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu is one gaffer who appears spoilt for choice upfront with Mkhokheli Dube also returning from down south. The GameCox have Thomas Chimenya and Tendai Mukambi.
On Wednesday, Chicken Inn would be eyeing a double over city neighbours How Mine when they meet at Luveve Stadium. Interestingly at the gold miners, is the sacking of Philani Mabhena during the break with his assistant Philani “Beefy” Mabhena likely to take charge against his former club Chicken Inn.
It will be a revenge affair for Beefy, fired by Chicken Inn at the end of 2011 while How Mine will be seeking to avenge the 0-1 Africa Day defeat to the GameCox at BF.
Shabanie Mine, who have grabbed Norman Maroto and globetrotter Simbarashe Gate, host Buffaloes at Maglas on Thursday while FC Platinum, who need to up their game after roping in coaches Lloyd Mutasa and Masimba Dinyero, have yet another tricky encounter when they entertain rejuvenated Caps United at Mandava on Wednesday.
It will not be easy for log leaders Harare City to come out with a win against strugglers Tripple B at Dulibadzimu on Wednesday. Dynamos will face troubled Motor Action on Thursday at Rufaro.
Hwange, who welcome back Francisco Zekumbawire from Dynamos, will take on Monomotapa in Harare while Triangle, who have grabbed Norman Togara, host Black Rhinos.
Fixtures Wednesday Chicken Inn v How Mine (Luveve), Black Mambas v Highlanders (Morris Depot), Triangle v Black Rhinos (Gibbo), Monomotapa v Hwange (Rufaro), FC Platinum v Caps United (Mandava), Tripple B v Harare City (Dulibadzimu) Thursday Shabanie Mine v Buffaloes (Maglas), Dynamos v Motor Action (Rufaro)
