Leaders Highlanders travel to Harare to face wounded Monomotapa in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Rufaro Stadium tomorrow with the sole aim of consolidating their slender one point lead.
Report by Sukoluhle Mthethwa Sports Reporter The Kelvin Kaindu-coached side on Wednesday regained the pole position after they were toppled by rivals Dynamos when the defending champions were awarded three points by the Zifa Appeals Committee for the Hwange match which the coalminers played under protest following the assault of their coaches before the game.
Highlanders have kept their cool and took their unbeaten record to 23 games after edging Hwange 1-0 at the Colliery Stadium on Wednesday and rose to 53 points, while Dynamos slipped to second spot after losing 1-0 to Chicken Inn at Barbourfields Stadium.
Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu yesterday said they anticipate a tough encounter against Monomotapa.
“This is probably the most difficult time in the league because no team wants to drop points now. Despite Monomotapa dropping three points against Quelaton, the match against them is going to be difficult for us, but we hope that the grace of God, which has been with us all along, will be with us again.
“We are top of the log table, but that is just a position. What is important is to build the team.
“I would like to commend the players for putting maximum effort despite the games getting tougher.
“It has not been easy and their effort has been quite commendable,” said the Zambian coach who has maintained that he is not chasing the championship, but is building a team for the 2013 season. Kaindu said Bruce Tshuma, who has been nursing an injury, is undergoing assessment.
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Monomotapa were stunned 3-2 by log anchors Quelaton at Luveve Stadium on Wednesday, but remained on third position with 40 points from 23 games.
The Biggie Zuze-coached side will be aiming to collect maximum points at home and may cause an upset by beating Highlanders for the first time this season, a result which many teams have failed to get this season.
In the first round of the league Monomotapa, then coached by Taurai Mangwiro now with Caps United, lost 3-0 at Barbourfields.
Highlanders have been struggling for form away from home, but have not lost in Harare after beating Caps United 2-0, Gunners 1-0 and drawing against Harare City and Motor Action. They have, however, dropped 16 points from eight draws.
A draw or a loss this weekend will see Dynamos leap back to the top if they beat Shabanie Mine on Sunday. The Dynamos camp is playing the blame game after the 1-0 loss to Chicken Inn on Wednesday. An own goal by Guthrie Zhokinyi cost them the match, but the captain is saying the mix-up which resulted in the goal was between Ocean Mushure and Partson Jaure.
