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Ozias Zibande

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports
HIGHLANDERS Football Club make an emotional return to Vhengere Stadium in Rusape tomorrow exactly 19 years after their last visit on April 27, 1986, when they fell 0-3 to a now defunct Cone Textiles.To most of the members, it will be new territory worth exploring but not to legends Peter Nkomo, the goalkeepers’ coach and Netsai Moyo, manager.

The duo were part of the 1986 squad that was forced to fulfil the match barely  24 hours after they had played in a cup match at Luveve Stadium. Their knowledge of the venue will be a huge factor.

Amahlolanyama, seeking their first away win of the season that will please their impatient supporters, come up against a low spirited but stubborn Dongo Sawmill whose players reportedly refused to train on Wednesday over what is suspected to be allowance problems.

However, their head coach Shadreck “Father” Mugurasave refuted the revolt allegations yesterday and instead said the boys were looking forward to the Highlanders match.

“You are not the first person to ask me about that but nothing of that sort happened. People saw our management addressing the players in the field and thought the boys were refusing to train,” said Mugurasave who refused to say what the address by the management was all about.

He said his team was looking forward to a positive result.

“Our preparations are going on well and I must emphasise that we are preparing normally without any pressure at all. To us Highlanders are just but any other team in the league that we will compete against and my hope is that we get three points, it’s long overdue,” said Mugurasave.

The home team though will be without the duo of Dereck Chitsanzara and Kelvin Katandika who have been suspended after picking up three yellow cards.

Bosso have been having the misfortune of injuries and at one time had six players on the sideline but the Independence holiday break came at the right time for Bongani Mafu as some of the boys are now fully on the road to recovery.

Forceful Simba Sithole who was a deadly force during his days at How Mine and Ozias Zibande are both available for selection and could partner Thomas Chideu upfront. Zibande is one of a few strikers whose shots and headers are rarely off target. Chances for Highlanders have been coming thick and fast but their conversion has been one of the poorest in the league. They have the lowest number of goals scored so far with just two goals to their credit but that should be their biggest motivating tool.

Whawha are involved in a Midlands derby against FC Platinum, whose coach Norman Mapeza is said to have been given an ultimatum to start winning.

The match is set for Ascot Stadium this afternoon while another newcomer Flame Lily are home to hard hitters Triangle United.

An epic encounter is set for Rufaro Stadium between league champions Dynamos and ambitious Harare City.