HIGHLANDERS will not be taking chances against Harare City when the two teams clash this afternoon in an Independence Trophy (Uhuru Cup) third place play-off at White City Stadium.
Thandiwe Moyo Sports Correspondent
The match will be part of the 34th independence celebrations with the final being played in Harare featuring Harare giants Dynamos against Zvishavane-based FC Platinum.
Wounded Harare City have said they expect a tough match considering that some of their main players are out injured.
Nathan Ziwini, Munyaradzi Kunyarimwe and Crybert Muvhuti will not feature in today’s match.
They might also be without former FC Platinum midfielder Mhleli Sibanda who is not well.
However, coach Bigboy Mawiwi believes he still has players capable of carrying the team through the match.
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“We still have injured players and Mhleli is not well. All the same we have replacements for those players. Martin Vengesayi started light training yesterday (Wednesday), but it is not likely that he will play,” Mawiwi said.
Mawiwi has at his disposal Misheck Mburayi, Takudzwa Chimwemwe, Agrippa Muripa, Timire Mamvura, Benson Maglasi and Arnold Chiveya. Bosso look forward to have head coach Kelvin Kaindu who was expected in the country yesterday, to be available.
However, Highlanders assistant coach Mark Mathe who has been in charge during Kaindu’s absence said a number of players that have not featured in the two Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches played so far would be given a chance as well.
“We will give players that have not featured in the past two matches a chance as well. Some of them featured in friendlies although at the moment I cannot say who they are because we are still to hold our afternoon training session and that is when I will know,” he said.
Bosso signed on a number of players during the transfer window with only a few playing in the first two PSL matches.
Valentine Ndaba, Joel Ngodzo and goalkeeper Njabulo Nyoni are some of the players that have not featured, with Rahman Kutsanzira who was sidelined during pre-season preparations due to injury, making his debut against Shabanie Mine last Sunday.
Mathe said a win for Bosso would be good not only for the players, but for the club as well.
He said they will be expecting a tough match.
“Harare City did well last season and they missed the championship by a whisker. We respect Mawiwi and his players. We are expecting a tough match,” said Mathe.
He said besides Gabriel Nyoni there are no injuries in the team.
Mawiwi said earlier this week that it would be tough playing against Highlanders in the Uhuru Cup considering the fact that some of the players will not be available.
