HIGHLANDERS will be boosted by the return of three key players, the influential Mongameli Tshuma, skipper Darlington Mukuli and Kudakwashe Mahachi when they travel to Ascot Stadium for a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against TelOne tomorrow.
Tshuma missed the club’s last two matches after travelling to England with the Warriors for the Unity Cup tournament.
Mukuli and experienced left-back Mahachi are also available after serving suspensions.
The Bulawayo giants are however without central defender, Nomore Chinyerere, who is suspended for tomorrow’s game.
Chinyerere has acquitted himself well as Highlanders central defence, where he pairs with either Shelton Shenje or Lawrence Mhlanga, with Brian Mlotshwa also another option.
The return of the trio comes at a crucial stage of the season as Highlanders seek to keep pace with the leading pack.
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Going into Match Day 16, four teams — log leaders Hardrock, Scottland, Herentals and Caps United — are tied on 28 points, while Highlanders sit on 22 points.
A victory over TelOne could see Bosso reduce the gap on the frontrunners and strengthen their title ambitions.
The Bulawayo giants finally returned to winning ways last weekend with a 2-1 victory over FC Hunters after a run that has been dented by a massive 10 draws this season.
The Benjani Mwaruwari-coached Bosso will be hoping the returning players add impetus as they chase back-to-back wins.
Their opponents TelOne have endured a difficult campaign and head into the encounter burdened by a poor record at Ascot Stadium.
The Gweru-based side have lost eight league matches at their home ground this season, a worrying statistic that has contributed significantly to their struggles in the league.
Coach Saul Chaminuka recently expressed frustration over the team’s fortunes at Ascot.
“I think that’s the general feeling within the whole team, the players and myself included. I think we need to get away from this pitch and play elsewhere,” Chaminuka said after a recent defeat.
“If we are thinking of winning, you cannot talk about superstition, but when a team has lost eight games at home, that must mean something.”
TelOne parted ways with Herbert Maruwa earlier this season and appointed Chaminuka in a bid to reverse their fortunes, but the club continues to battle for consistency.
With Highlanders boosted by the return of Tshuma, Mukuli and Mahachi, and eager to close the gap on the teams at the summit, tomorrow’s encounter presents Bosso with an opportunity to further enhance their title credentials against a TelOne side desperate to end their home woes.