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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO football giants Highlanders must be wary of Bantu Rovers who they face in a local derby at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.Tshintsha Guluva gave Highlanders a fright a fortnight ago in a six-goal thriller which they lost 2-4 despite dominating play. On that afternoon, Methembe’s boys appeared to be the team in the championship race while Highlanders lacked the sting in all departments.

Bantu Rovers coach Ndlovu attributed the defeat to too many mistakes. He strongly believes they have what it takes to stand the heat at that level.

Ndlovu, the last coach from the Southern Region to win the league championship with Highlanders in 2006, is worried about Bantu Rovers’ failure to get positive results despite playing well.

With just 14 points from 15 outings, Bantu Rovers are aware that a defeat against the Bulawayo giants would not be good for their survival fight.

“Obviously time is running out and it’s high time we start getting positive results. There are 15 games that we have to play and pick positive results from as we fight to consolidate our stay in the topflight league starting with the match against Highlanders. It will be a difficult game on Sunday, which we have to get a good result from but that doesn’t mean it’s a must-win game for us because after this there are 14 more games to play,” said Ndlovu.

Bantu Rovers’ quintet of 17-year-old Bukhosi “Zahu” Sibanda, captain Nqobizitha Masuku, Tafadzwa Kutinyu, Obadiah Tarumbwa and Moses Majika outplayed Highlanders’ midfield and with a bit of luck, they could have buried Bosso.

These players are expected to lead Bantu Rovers’ quest for maximum points.

In a bid to strengthen their team ahead of Sunday’s match, Tshintsha Guluva have signed striker Dalu Moroka from an English club and the player might be thrown into the fray against Bosso should he get his reverse international clearance on time for the big game.

Two Ugandans striker Francis Aselani and midfielder David Abonga are trying their luck at the club with Ndlovu saying they will make a decision on whether to sign the players or not by weekend.

“I think now the players have adjusted as we spent lots of effort in the first half building this group which shows signs of improving and will deliver. We won’t be releasing any players but we will definitely add some to strengthen the team. About the Ugandan guys we shall make a decision soon,” said Ndlovu.

Highlanders who unveiled midseason signing Tapiwa Dephistara from Chiredzi on Tuesday, are taking their Bantu Rovers game seriously with the hope of bouncing back to winning ways having been booted out of the NetOne One Wallet Sup8r Knockout Tournament by How Mine last weekend.

The 2006 league champions also registered King Madolo for the second round of the championship but have since moved him out of the Under-20 quota.

While other clubs were quick to rush to the transfer market, Highlanders have been dragging their feet despite weaknesses in some of their departments that have been bare for all to see.

Bosso will pin their hopes on leading goalscorer Charles Sibanda, rejuvenated Joel Ngodzo, goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda, Erick Mudzingwa and captain Innocent Mapuranga.

Meanwhile, How Mine will play host to Black Rhinos at Luveve Stadium with coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube setting his eyes on a victory.

“We have to bounce back to winning ways and revive our title ambitions. We are not far from the chasing pack and what we need is to start picking points so that we close the gap,” said Ncube.

Menard Mupera, Gilbert Banda, Nyasha Mukumbi and Brighton Dube are expected to add much needed experience and high sense of desire to win for Ncube’s side. Younger players Xolisani Moyo and Donovan Bernard are expected to rise to the occasion and with the arrival of Gift Kamuriwo and Lazarus Muhoni to assist new coach Jostein Mathuthu, Rhinos could turn out to be a different side on the pitch.

Fixtures

Tomorrow: How Mine v Black Rhinos (Luveve)

Saturday: Chapungu v Triangle United (Ascot); Chicken Inn v ZPC Kariba (Luveve)

Sunday: Dynamos v Caps United (National Sports Stadium, 3PM SuperSport); Chiredzi v Buffaloes (Chishamiso); Bantu Rovers v Highlanders (Barbourfields); Shabanie Mine v FC Platinum (Maglas); Hwange v Harare City (Colliery)