ARMY side Buffaloes are confident of brushing aside Caps United today and pulling through to the semi-finals, as the two teams clash in the quarter-finals of the Mbada Diamonds Cup at Gibbo Stadium in Chiredzi.
Report by Sports Correspondent
Buffaloes have a good record against the Harare football giants after holding them to a 1-1 draw in their first meeting in the league at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, before another 0-0 stalemate at Sakubva in Mutare in the reverse fixture. Coach Saul Chaminuka said they would want to protect their record against the Harare giants and said they welcomed them to the Eastern Region.
“We are the hosts and welcome them. As hosts, we are going to win. We have a record to protect. Our last encounters ended in draws, but this time around we have to win because we are the hosts,” said Chaminuka.
The Buffaloes gaffer, however, revealed that Warriors trialist Prosper Matizanadzo was doubtful for the match after picking up a knock while in camp with the national team. His injury is worrying him and is also worrying me.
“But with or without him, we are going to win because we have so many players whom we can field,” said Chaminuka. Apart from Matizanadzo, big striker Marlven Dumbura and Joseph Jambo will not play due to injury.
However, Caps, whose bid for a top-four finish is now out of sight with only a top-eight finish realistic, are determined to restore their “Cup Kings” tag and will be looking for victory as they eye the prestigious trophy.
Former Gunners striker Leonard Fiyado predicted victory for the Harare giants who left for Chiredzi on Thursday, confidently saying he would score.
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“We will win and I will score,” Fiyado said. “I have settled well at Caps since I joined from Gunners. I am improving in every aspect of my game and am confident that we will win against Buffaloes,” he added. While Chaminuka has injury worries, Caps United coach Taurai Mangwiro has a clean bill of health in his camp, with the return of the quartet of David Rediyoni, Hardlife Zvirekwi, Tendai Samanja and Asani Nhongo from suspension boosting the squad.
The four players missed their 1-1 drawn last league match against Monomotapa after they were suspended for accumulating three yellow cards each.
