HIGHLANDERS striker Gabriel Nyoni, midfielder Mthulisi Maphosa and captain Innocent Mapuranga will have to pass a late fitness test ahead of the big Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
Report by Sukoluhle Mthethwa/Tawanda Tafirenyika
The trio have been instrumental in Highlanders’ good run in the premiership.
Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu yesterday said that they were being monitored.
“Mthulisi, Gabriel and Innocent are carrying minor knocks, but they are training. I cannot say what really is wrong with them because I will be giving out information to our opponents. They are being assessed,” he said.
Nyoni, the striker who has banged in crucial goals for Bosso, missed Highlanders’ matches against Tripple B and Black Rhinos through injury.
On Sunday’s game, Kaindu said: “The game, is just like any other, there is nothing special about it although we know that three points are at stake. We also know the rivalry between the two teams and the fact that last season the teams occupied first and second position.
“Preparations for the match are going on well, the weather is good. We need rain, but we hope that it does not rain heavily on the day of the match. We thank God for the position we are in and it is our desire to stay on top. We hope by the grace of God we will continue to be on top,” he said.
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Highlanders go into the match with a two-point advantage as they have 47 points from 25 games while Dynamos are on 45 points.
The match promises to be exciting as Bosso will want to collect maximum points – a result which will see the Bulawayo giants open a five-point gap while DeMbare are trying to overtake their nemesis.
“So we have to tackle this assignment with hunger and aggression because we have not won the championship for a very long time and will be at home. They really need to win this title. We have to go out there with a positive mind,” Kaindu emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) are keeping a tight lid on the referee who will call the shots in this clash because of fears of match-fixing. Usually match officials are announced a few days prior to the match.
In 2011, there was controversy after Zifa sidelined local match officials for the high-profile Mbada Diamonds Cup semi-final duel between Dynamos and FC Platinum at Barbourfields.
Zifa instead flew in three South African referees Victor Hlungwane and his assistants Sandile Dilikane and Leon Mnqibisa apparently because local match officials were susceptible to receiving bribes to fix matches.
Highlanders and Dynamos Under -17s will the curtain raisers. BancABC’s Desmond Ali is organising the match between the two youth teams.
Dynamos yesterday reported a clean bill of health in their camp ahead of the crucial tie.
