REJUVENATED Caps United will be looking to complete a rare league double over a wilting Highlanders side when the two teams meet in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields tomorrow — arguably the biggest match on the local football scene this weekend. REPORT BY HENRY MHARA
The big match will be a conclusion of what should be a football fiesta in Bulawayo this weekend.
Chicken Inn and Shabanie Mine drew 1-1 at Luveve yesterday which saw the Bulawayo side top the log standings for the first time in their top-flight football history.
This afternoon Dynamos are also at Luveve for a meeting with How Mine.
While matches involving the defending champions normally top the bill almost every weekend, it’s certainly not the case this weekend as this game will only act as an appetiser for the main menu that will be served at Barbourfields tomorrow.
Caps United will be looking to make it two straight league wins over Highlanders in a single season, a feat that the Green Machine has failed to achieve in the past decade. So poor has been Caps United’s record against Bosso that even their trailblazing and title-winning squad of 2004 recorded just one defeat the whole season, which was a 4-3 loss to the Bulawayo giants.
Caps United assistant coach Saul Chaminuka believes the record books will be re-written tomorrow. “We are not looking much into history. We believe this side can do it, it’s very much possible. We beat them here in Harare so what would stop us from doing it again in Bulawayo?” said Chaminuka.
“It will be a tough match for us, but its Highlanders who are at home and that naturally takes off pressure from our boys. Highlanders think these are their points and will be under pressure to beat us.
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That can easily create problems for them and we will certainly look to capitalise,” added the former Buffaloes coach.
Highlanders have been stuttering in recent weeks, going on a three-match losing streak.
Coach Kelvin Kaindu admitted his Bosso side is going through a difficult phase, but said it is just that, a “phase”.
“It has been a difficult spell for us and everyone is disappointed, but it’s normal in football. It is just a phase which I believe will come to an end soon. What is needed at the moment is for the team to remain united. We need to have character and look for ways we can stop the losing streak,” said Kaindu.
Kaindu’s main problem would be how to stop the marauding Rahman Kutsanzira. The former Highlanders man terrorised the Bosso defence at the National Sports Stadium and he will be expected to replicate the same performance tomorrow.
“I don’t know how they are going to stop him,” said Chaminuka.
Caps trumped Highlanders 2-1 in the reverse fixture although Bosso were left with a sour feeling of injustice in that match.
Leonard Fiyado appeared to be in an offside position when he scored the decisive goal. Dominic Chungwa scored the first goal for Caps United while Highlanders’ goal was scored by Milton Ncube.
The controversial yet illustrious win saw the Green Machine gaining ground on the title race as they are now just three points behind the log leaders, and suddenly, there is an air of optimism inside the Caps United dressing room that they can end the title drought which has stretched for over eight years.
Dumisani “Fazo” Ndlovu and Peter “Rio” Moyo are out for Highlanders serving suspension while Caps United will be missing Tawanda “Finger” Nyamandwe due to similar reasons.
Green Machine left-back Ronald Pfumbidzai was yesterday certified fit after a thigh injury scare.
Dynamos will also be looking to complete a double over How Mine today, a side they walloped 3-0 at Rufaro Stadium a fortnight ago.
Unfortunately, for the Harare giants, their two goal hero in that match Patrick Kumbula is out due to injury, and so is his striking partner Washington Pakamisa.
