HIGHLANDERS coach Kelvin Kaindu is optimistic of enthralling entertainment when his side take on pass masters FC Platinum in a highly anticipated Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
The Zambian mentor is looking forward to playing a team that always tries to be on the offensive compared to other teams that prefer a pragmatic approach.
Whoever wins this match gives themselves a chance to sit on top of the table at the end of this game week.
"Most teams have tried to prevent us from scoring and we are happy that in the last games that we have played, it is the only one (against Arenel) that we have not managed to get any goal," Kaindu said.
He wants his side to improve on their finishing after firing blanks in the last match.
"We are still working on our finishing in offensiveness when we have the ball. We are playing FC Platinum, a formidable side and they have a good coach, who can influence the result of the game at any given time. We know the pedigree that FC Platinum have, the style of play that they want to display and we hope that it is going to be entertaining to all our fans.”
FC Platinum have had an indifferent start to the campaign, but it’s not new for the side as they have started poorly in recent years and went on to win the championship at the end of the season.
The former champions troop into BF with former Highlanders players Brian Banda, Mbongeni Ndlovu and Briton Manhire who will be out to prove one or two things against their former paymasters.
FC Platinum struggled in the recent past where they loss twice and played two draws until last weekend when they beat Green Fuel.
Coach Norman Mapeza says that victory gave them confidence.
He however speaks glowingly of Highlanders.
“Highlanders have a very good coach. They have been very well of late. I hear stories that have not been winning their last games they played in Bulawayo in terms of their derbies. It is all part of football. Everyone goes through that phase. We are playing a very good side, quality team and we know the danger they can pose especially when they are playing at Barbourfields. What is important for us is to go there, mix well and do everything well in those phases of the game. The month of April was terrible for us. We did not do a lot in terms of collecting maximum points. The win against Green Fuel gave us something to focus on; much on our next game,” Mapeza said.
Highlanders are without suspended holding midfielder Melikhaya Ncube while the young enterprising Prince Ndlovu is doubtful due to injury.