Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu is worried about the absence of Mthulisi Maphosa and Graham Ncube ahead of Sunday’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against city neighbours Quelaton.
The two, together with defender Atlast Musasa, are suspended for the match after accumulating three yellow cards each.
Quelaton will also miss goalkeeper Winston Chiwetu and Proud Zireni, who are part of the 25 suspended players for this weekend’s matches.
Kaindu yesterday told NewsDay Sport that the trio’s absence would be a chance for other players to lay claim to places in the team.
“It is unfortunate to lose players through suspension. We will miss them, but it is the chance for the other players to play as well. Our preparations for the match against Quelaton are going on well. We drew 1-1 against them last time when we were supposed to get maximum points. But with the right attitude we can win the match,” he said.
Kaindu has an option in new acquisitions striker Cleopas Dube from Division One side ZPC Hwange and midfielder Takunda Sadiki, younger brother of former Highlanders goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini.
“We have two players who have joined us: Takunda Sadiki and Cleopas Dube. Sadiki has been training with us, but we are not expecting much from Dube as we still want to develop him. We are still unbeaten in the league and that is quite an achievement,” he said.
Quelaton assistant coach and former Highlanders striker Simba Rusike said Bosso should expect a tough game.
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“We are preparing for the match against Highlanders. We are working on a game plan and trying out combinations. We respect Highlanders, but they must be prepared for a tough match. We drew with Highlanders last time, but we do not read much into history,” he said.
“We will miss Chiwetu and Zireni, but we have enough cover.”
Quelaton have roped in former Caps United defender Ndumiso Khanye and midfielder Peace Tshuma, while former Hardbody goalkeeper Tapiwa Marime has joined the league debutants coached by 2008 Coach of the Year Philani “Beefy” Ncube.
Quelaton have struggled in the league and anchor the log with five points from 15 games. They stunned Highlanders in a 1-1 draw at Barbourfields last month.
Fixtures Saturday (Week 15): FC Platinum v Dynamos (Mandava Stadium) Saturday (Week 16): Chicken Inn v Harare City (Luveve), Monomotapa v Motor Action (Rufaro), Black Mambas v Blue Rangers (Morris Depot) Sunday: Buffaloes v Hardbody (Sakubva), Highlanders v Quelaton (Barbourfields), Shabanie v Gunners (Maglas), Hwange v Caps United (Colliery) Postponed: Dynamos v FC Platinum (Rufaro)
