SIMBA Bhora coach Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu returns to Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday for the second time as an opposing coach, admitting the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League showdown against his former club Highlanders will be an emotional homecoming.
He insists his side is ready to end Bosso’s recent resurgence.
The last time Mpofu was at Emagumeni, Simba Bhora lost to Chicken Inn, a side that he has also coached before in the City of Kings and Queens.
Mpofu, who previously coached Highlanders, said the Bulawayo giants played a pivotal role in shaping his career and helping him develop the resilience required to succeed at the highest level.
“On one hand, it’s emotional and on the other hand, it’s exciting. I will be back in the dugout, but on the other side with another team, a team that made me, made me strong and developed me,” Mpofu said.
“Highlanders made me strong in the sense that while I was there, I developed a thick skin.”
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The former Bosso coach expects a difficult afternoon against a Highlanders side that has hit top form despite well-publicised off-field challenges.
“It is going to be an exciting game, especially looking at the fact that Highlanders have been collecting points.
“They have been doing well under very difficult circumstances.
“I am not reading much into their internal problems.”
While Highlanders go into the match on the back of an impressive run, Simba Bhora are seeking to bounce back after consecutive defeats.
Despite his side’s inconsistent form, Mpofu believes his experienced players have what it takes to upset Highlanders in front of their home supporters.
“We have not been consistent with mixed results, but we go to BF with experience, with boys who can rise to the occasion,” he said.
“It is not going to be easy, but we are prepared for Highlanders. We are ready.
“We will make it difficult for Highlanders, although we are aware of the pressure. We are in good shape and we are going to give them a good run for their money.”
Sunday’s clash presents Highlanders with an opportunity to continue their climb up the table, while Simba Bhora will be hoping Mpofu’s emotional return to Barbourfields ends with a timely return to winning ways.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Matchday 21 fixtures
Saturday: Bulawayo Chiefs v MWOS (Luveve), TelOne v FC Platinum (Ascot), Hunters v Scottland (Rufaro), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Chicken Inn (Baobab).
Sunday: Hardrock v Caps United (Chahwanda), Manica Diamonds v ZPC Kariba (Sakubva), Triangle United v Herentals College (Gibbo), Highlanders v Simba Bhora (Barbourfields), Dynamos v Agama (Rufaro)