Bosso itch for revenge

Sport
AT this point in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season last year, Highlanders were well on their way to a possible first league title since 2006.

AT this point in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season last year, Highlanders were well on their way to a possible first league title since 2006. SUKOLUHLE MTHETHWA SPORTS REPORTER

That was until they arrived in the capital, without coach Kelvin Kaindu, and were crushed 0-4 by Harare City that they all but effectively ended hopes of success.

This Saturday, they are back in the capital, against the same team that they will also meet in the semi-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup, the same team that they beat on penalties last year at Mandava Stadium on their way to lift the Mbada Diamonds Cup.

Harare City have been on a roll under Masimba Dinyero, who faces his biggest task since taking over from Bigboy Mawiwi.

He is well aware that Highlanders are itching for revenge this time around, just like How Mine learnt it the hard way on Sunday.

How Mine beat Highlanders 4-3 on penalties in the semi-finals of the One Wallet Cup, but the gold miners were thumped 1-3 in the quarter-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup this past weekend.

“The Harare City match will be a dress rehearsal of the Chibuku Super Cup semi-final. We are mindful of the humiliation we suffered at the hands of Harare City last year when we lost 0-4.

Had we defeated Harare City we would have won the league. We lost a chance to win the league because of that defeat, so we want to revenge,” he said.

To get to the cup semi-finals Bosso beat city rivals How Mine 3-1 at Hartsfields Rugby Grounds on Sunday while Harare City booked a semi-final slot following a 2-1 victory over Chiredzi at Mandava Stadium on Sunday.

What could be an interesting factor is that Harare City could be aiming at their first appearance in a cup final since starting their dance in the top-flight league in 2012.

However, the script has changed for Harare City as the municipal side is now under the guidance of Dinyero who has so far impressed.

Harare City should brace for a tough task as Bosso have indicated that their eyes are on the Chibuku Super Cup.

Turning to the league, Highlanders will be targeting maximum points as a slip-up could prove detrimental if log leaders Dynamos beat FC Platinum at Mandava.

In the past few seasons Dynamos have proved that they win when it matters most resulting in the Harare giants clinching the 2011, 2012 and last season’s league titles twice on goal difference.

Dynamos already have an advantage as they lead with 42 points.

Highlanders have 39 points while ZPC Kariba and Caps United are third and fourth respectively on 38 points from 22 games.

The match could be tough for Bosso as Dinyero would want to maintain his good record so far while Highlanders want to win the league title they last won in 2006.

In any case, Dinyero will be looking for a full time job with the City Fathers and beating Highlanders might just earn him a contract.