HIGHLANDERS assistant coach Madinda Ndlovu says playing against Caps United in the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final tie at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow is like playing a money game — which they ought to win at all cost.
The Bulawayo giants have lost form and this has seen them lose the top spot in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer (PSL) after losing three matches, having gone 19 matches unbeaten before that.
They are also likely to lose points following their abandoned tie against Dynamos.
Highlanders were trailing 2-0 at BF when the match was called off at 37 minutes due to crowd trouble.
Ndlovu says all that is water under the bridge and despite looking for victory, any result on Sunday must be accepted.
“I think at this point in time, the boys are picking up in terms of morale. However, we don't know how they will be by Sunday. It's like a money game so they have to give it their all in a cup game,” he said.
“We will do our best. We want to tell our supporters that. Let's not dwell on the defeats that we had recently. Let's look at game by game. Let's look at Caps United and play according to how we have trained. If our system does not work, then it's tough luck. In football there are three results, a win, loss and a draw. We expect any of that to come but we are saying our priority is to win the game. We will do all the best we have to try and win the game. We are going to work very hard with our players. We will ask the boys to come to the party."
The Bulawayo giants come into the game with their camp resembling a hospital casualty department with striker Calvin Chigonero and defender Archford Faira having joined the injury list.
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Enterprising midfielder Devine Mhindirira, striker Stanley Ngala and defender Marvelous Chigumira are also nursing injuries while Darlington Mukuli and Godfrey Makaruse were ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury.
Goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda is also a doubtful starter after sustaining a knock against Hwange at the Colliery last Sunday.
The Green Machine have not played well in the league either and the Lloyd Chitembwe-coached side last won a game in July when they beat Green Fuel 2-0 at Bata Stadium.
Makepekepe have only won six times in 24 outings and beating Bosso and advancing in the cup tournament could give them hope for silverware as the league title is out of their reach.
