HIGHLANDERS will now shift their attention to winning the third edition of the Mbada Diamonds Cup as they seek consolation after being edged out on goal difference for the second season running in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League race.
FORTUNE MBELE SPORTS REPORTER The Bulawayo giants will take on stubborn How Mine in their first final of the country’s richest football tournament on Saturday at Barbourfields Stadium (BF) in Bulawayo.
After surrendering the league title to Dynamos on Sunday by beating Shabanie Mine 3-1 at BF, Bosso head coach Kelvin Kaindu said prospects were bright that this time around they would beat How Mine to land the $130 000 Mbada Diamonds Cup.
“The prospects are high for the Mbada Cup. We have always been a better side than How Mine although we have lost twice to them, but it’s the mental character that needs to change,” Kaindu, who arrived back in the country on Saturday from the United Kingdom, said.
Highlanders last won a piece of silverware in 2011 beating Dynamos 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out in the Independence Trophy and lost 0-1 to Motor Action in 2011 in the BancABC Sup8r Cup final at BF.
In the previous editions of the Mbada Diamonds Cup, Bosso were bundled out in the first round by Zimbabwe Saints 5-6 in a penalty shoot-out at the Colliery in 2011 before last year’s 2-3 defeat by Monomotapa at the same venue in the quarter-final. This year they beat Triangle 3-2 in the first round at BF, cruised past Buffaloes 3-0 in the quarter-final in Masvingo before beating Harare City 5-3 in a penalty shoot-out at Mandava Stadium, Zvishavane in the semis.
How Mine, their rivals on Saturday, have come to be known as giant killers and beat them twice in the league this year at BF. They have claimed the scalps of giants Dynamos and Caps United in the Mbada Diamonds Cup.
After beating Black Rhinos 1-0 in the first round, How Mine, coached by Philani “Beefy” Ncube stunned Dynamos 1-0 in the quarter-final at Rufaro Stadium before dumping the Green Machine out of the tournament 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out.
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How Mine have made history for themselves becoming the first team to come from Division One to reach the final of the competition and could be on their way to representing the country in the Caf 2014 Confederation Cup. Already they are guaranteed $90 000 for reaching the final of the tournament.
