EXPERIENCE and a watertight defence are two qualities that have made ZPC Kariba the surprise package of the season this far, and obviously, these are two things that coach Saul Chaminuka will look up to until the end of the season.
HENRY MHARA
The 2013 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) debutants will be looking to maintain their wonderful start to life in the top-flight league when they host log leaders Highlanders at Gwanzura Stadium tomorrow afternoon, in arguably the stand-out match in another action packed-weekend fixture list.
The two sides remain the only unbeaten teams thus far as they share the top spot on the log standings with 12 points, although Highlanders’ better goal difference of +10 gives them a slight advantage over their hosts, who are at +6.
The winner of the encounter will top the table for another week, while a draw could only benefit Hwange and Buffaloes, who are tied third with 11 points, and wins in their respective games will see them claiming the top spot.
After six rounds of matches, ZPC Kariba have the meanest defence in the league, having conceded just two goals, one against Caps United in the opening week and another one against Triangle last week.
In those six matches, they have already faced teams tipped to win the league title at the end of the season, including defending champions Dynamos, FC Platinum and Caps United.
Despite facing these top sides, they have managed to keep their winning record intact, proving that they are one of the team to watch this season.
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However, Bosso could put an end to all the great praises that the Kariba-based side has been receiving in recent weeks. The two teams are coming into the match on the back of big victories last weekend where they scored a massive nine goals between them.
ZPC Kariba came from a goal down to demolish Triangle 5-1 away in the Lowveld, while Highlanders made their intentions of winning the title this year very clear with a 4-0 thrashing of fellow title aspirants Caps United at Barbourfields. If these two results can be used as a marker to judge how the two teams will play tomorrow, then fans should expect goals galore in this match.
But then, these are the two teams with the best defensive record in the league with Highlanders having conceded just three times so far, one worse off their opponents tomorrow afternoon, so very few will be shocked if the game ends in a drab goalless draw.
The hosts will be without Pride Tafirenyika, who is suspended for this match after accumulating three yellow cards. But they still have other players who can come in and do the job.
David Redhiyoni has started on the bench in recent matches, and could be thrown into the starting line-up for this one. Caleb Masocha could also come in and do the job for them.
For Highlanders, they have injury worries with Bruce Kangwa, Milton Ncube and Rahman Kutsanzira all facing a late fitness test.
The Bulawayo giants are also likely to miss their coach Kevin Kaindu for this match. Kaindu was yet to arrive in the country yesterday afternoon from the United Kingdom where he is advancing his coaching skills.
