Mutizwa, Nyoni boost for Bosso

Sport
HIGHLANDERS’ strikers Knox Mutizwa and Gabriel Nyoni could be in the starting line-up when the Bulawayo giants take on How Mine in the second round of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League on Sunday.

HIGHLANDERS’ strikers Knox Mutizwa and Gabriel Nyoni could be in the starting line-up when the Bulawayo giants take on How Mine in the second round of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League on Sunday.

BY FORTUNE MBELE

Mutizwa missed Sunday’s Chibuku Super Cup first round against the gold miners after he was injured in South Africa on national duty for the Young Warriors, while Nyoni has been out for some time due to injury.

Bosso drew 1-1 with How Mine in June with Mutizwa on target, and lost 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out on Sunday to bow out of the Chibuku Super Cup.

Coach Bongani Mafu yesterday confirmed the two had started full training.

“Knox (Mutizwa) started training yesterday and he is in line for selection for Sunday’s match. Gabriel is back in full training and he is also in contention for the match against How Mine,” Mafu said.

Knox Mutizwa (in front ) celebrates his opener against Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday

With Obadiah Tarumbwa also in, new signing Obert “Adebayor” Tafira will have to prove himself to fit in after Thembinkosi Simango played his debut against How Mine last Sunday.

Bosso will be without defender Teenage Hadebe, on trials at Ajax Cape Town, and attacking midfielder Edmore Muzanenhamo who is away in Botswana.

Also out due to injuries are Erick Mudzingwa and right-back Webster Chingodza, with the latter being pulled out in the 88th minute against How Mine on Sunday, while Douglas Sibanda is not feeling well.

Highlanders last won at Barbourfields Stadium on May 24 when they beat WhaWha and sit on position nine on the log table with 22 points from 17 matches, five wins, seven draws and five defeats.

Mafu yesterday said his boys needed to be focussed and get goals to improve on their standings.

His biggest undoing has been his defence as the Bulawayo giants have been quick to concede after scoring first.

“We need to improve. We cannot be at number nine. It is going to be tough, but we need to improve,” Mafu said.

“We need to remain focused, get goals and play good football. The formula has been right. We play good football, but we are not taking the chances. Oba (Tarumbwa) and Knox (Mutizwa) have been on fire, but we have an issue to correct with the defence and the goalkeeping.”

The Bosso coach said he was not going to comment on How Mine head coach Luke Masomere’s allegations that match officials have always been against them when they play Highlanders.

“I am not interested (in that). If he (Masomere) has got issues, he should bring it up with the referees’ panel,” Mafu said.