HIGH-FLYING Highlanders say they will not take lightly Black Rhinos when the two teams clash at Barbourfields in Bulawayo today.
Bosso are the team to beat at the moment as they are unbeaten in their 18 games in the league competition.
In contrast, Black Rhinos are struggling in the league where they anchor the 18-team log standings despite completely different fortunes in the Chibuku Cup where they have already reached the quarter finals.
However, Highlanders coach Baltemar Brito is not reading much into the two teams' current placement on the table.
“We are not looking at the log table. If we do that, we will have problems with teams that we play with, those at the bottom and the top ones. We are taking this game seriously. The log table doesn’t mean anything to us,” Brito said.
Highlanders beat Rhinos 1-0 in the reverse fixture, which was the Bulawayo giants' first win against the army side in over a decade.
“Of course, there are no easy games. Black Rhinos have made it public that they want to be the first team to beat us, and that shows the mindset that they are coming with. They come with a big motivation to try and beat us, and only our best can beat them.
“It’s a game they want to win, and we want to win also,” Brito said.
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The Portuguese national has urged his players to go into the game and enjoy themselves.
“We want the players to get into the field and have fun and try to live their dream, and they should not be afraid of making mistakes but just enjoy the moment. What is important is to create a conducive environment for the game, be responsible but with fun and pleasure in what we are doing,” the coach said.
Highlanders go into the game with a complement of players that excludes young Prince Ndlovu, who was injured in Botswana where the club’s Division One side Bosso 90 had been invited for a tournament.
Godfrey Makaruse is on a long lay-off while Bosso enjoys the return of attacking midfielder Devine Mhindirira (pictured) who was out injured for a lengthy period.
To their credit Black Rhinos have only lost once in their last five matches, recording three draws and a win during the period.
Their statistics reflect a side that has been improving in recent months and can cause a big upset in their quest to survive the dreaded chop.
Today’s fixtures
Today: Highlanders v Black Rhinos (Barbourfields), Triangle v Manica Diamonds (Gibbo), Sheasham v Dynamos (Bata), Hwange v Yadah (Colliery)
