GIANTS Highlanders start their 2013 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season campaign away to Shabanie Mine at Maglas Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
EPHRAIM SHOKO
After missing the championship last season, Bosso will be hoping for a bright start this season as they commence yet another protracted battle for honours in the country’s most prestigious football league.
Having dominated Shabanie Mine in previous years, Highlanders will be banking on history as they seek to collect their first set of points in the 2013 season.
The two teams have met 16 times before in the league, and Highlanders have triumphed in 11 of the meetings, while Shabanie Mine won three times.
Two other matches ended in draws.
Last season, Highlanders completed a double over the Chinda Boys, winning 2-0 at Maglas and 1-0 at Barbourfields stadium.
While Highlanders might be going into the match with their tails up, coach Kelvin Kaindu reckons it will not be a stroll in the park against a relatively new-look Shabanie Mine side.
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Shabanie Mine have drafted seven new faces into their squad this season following the departure of a number of players who were recalled by FC Platinum after their loan spells expired at the end of last season.
Fungai Chirinda, Munyaradzi Kunyarimwe, Valentine Ndaba, Brighton Tuwaya and Mlungisi Ndlovu are some of the new names at Shabanie. The technical bench has also changed after Arnold Jani took over from Luke Masomere, who was banned from football.
Jani is being assisted by Philip Sithole who also doubles as captain. Noting the changes that their opponents have made, Kaindu chose to be cautious and not read much into history.
“It’s not going to be easy for us because of a number of factors.
Shabanie Mine are a changed side from last season as they have brought in new players and their technical bench has also changed.
“I am sure my players are well aware of that and will not take Shabanie for granted. Yes, we beat them twice last season, but that is not reason for us to relax because obviously, they will be seeking revenge. We have to be at our best,” he said.
Kaindu, however, expressed optimism that his side will start the season positively as they seek to improve from last season’s performance.
“Expectations are high, everyone wants us to improve from last season and we are geared up for that. We hope to start the season with maximum points as that will help us build our confidence,” said Kaindu. Highlanders will go into the match missing the services of Beavan Chikaka who picked up a knock while Bhekimpilo Ncube is also doubtful.
Shabanie Mine gaffer Jani dismissed the underdog tag saying he was unfazed by the challenge of facing Bosso in his opening match of the season.
“Morale is high in camp and the boys are really looking forward to a good game. We are not intimidated at all by Highlanders. They are a big side, but I think we have the quality to match them. I have no injury worries and I’m hopeful the boys will do a good job and collect all the three points,” he said.
Shabanie Mine had scrappy preparations to the season owing to the confusion that bedevilled their executive during the off-season period. The Chinda boys only had one competitive pre-season match against FC Platinum in the CG Msipa Charity Shield which they lost. Lack of fitness might catch up with Jani’s lads as they face Bosso who were active during the pre-season.
