HIGHLANDERS will not be rushing any players into the Commander Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Charities semi-final match against FC Platinum at Barbourfields Stadium today as they look ahead at the hectic league fixtures during the week and next weekend. FORTUNE MBELE SPORTS REPORTER
Highlanders will entertain Harare City on Thursday before travelling to Mutare for another Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) match against Buffaloes at Sakubva Stadium next Sunday.
Eight Highlanders players are injured while three are with the Warriors for the first leg qualifier of African Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Tanzania. Mthulisi Maphosa and Gabriel Nyoni are still out injured while Rahman Kutsanzira, Simon Munawa and Welcome Ndiweni recently picked up injuries and will definitely be out of today’s tie.
Head coach Kelvin Kaindu said strikers Ozias Zibande and Mgcini Sibanda and attacking midfielder Charles Sibanda, have minor injuries and might play this afternoon. Midfielders Milton Ncube, Peter “Rio” Moyo and Kudakwashe Mahachi are with the national team.
“Training has been good despite working with a few players as we have players with the Warriors and others are injured. As much as we want them to recover, we don’t want to rush them. We will give an opportunity to other players. If you look at the league fixtures that are coming up, will play Harare City on Thurday and travel to Mutare. Both these teams (City and Buffaloes) are not taking part in this tournament,” Kaindu said.
However, Kaindu said he will be taking the match against FC Platinum seriously. “It’s a cup game and the boys know what is at stake. As much as we respect FC Platinum, let the better side win tomorrow,” Kaindu said.
Players likely to feature in today’s match include Valentine Ndaba, Joel “Josta” Ngodzo, Felix Chindungwe, Cleopas Dube with goalkeeper Njabulo “Popo” Nyoni probably between the sticks.
FC Platinum welcomes back from injury Njabulo “Tshiki” Ncube who will be out to torment former paymasters with Allan Gahadzikwa and Obrey Chirwa. The Zvishavane-based outfit has a hectic league commitment ahead as they travel to Harare on Wednesday for bruised champions Dynamos – yet to win after their last three matches – before hosting Triangle at Mandava on Saturday.
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Head coach Lloyd Mutasa said: “We are hoping for a good game. Njabulo is returning from an injury. So we are expecting him to lead the team,” Mutasa said.
The second semi-final of the army charities matches pits Dynamos against Caps United at Rufaro Stadium.
The final will be played on a day yet to be announced with the army saying they will be advised by the PSL on the convenient day for the final. Proceeds from matches go towards ZNA charities, which include Tsanga Lodge Convalescent Centre, Army Widows and Orphans Benevolent Fund, ZNA Schools and Welfare Trust Fund and Patients’ Welfare Fund.
