Mafu faces first real examination Bongani Mafu
bongani mafu

Bongani Mafu

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
NEW Highlanders FC coach Bongani Mafu faces his first real test when Bosso take on Caps United in the elimination match of the Bob91 Super Cup at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow.Highlanders are participating in the Bob Super Cup for the third time since its inception in 2011 and the game against Caps United presents Mafu and his charges with a chance to claim their first silverware of 2015.

The winner in tomorrow’s game proceeds to the final where they will face off with defending champions Dynamos who received a bye.

Mafu who took over the reigns at Bosso recently is confident that his side will advance to the final, earning their first win at Barbourfields Stadium this year.

“We’ve got only one target going into this game, to win the match,” said Mafu. “We’ve prepared well for the encounter and we are going to give our best shot.”

The former Zimbabwe Saints man who spent some time in Europe where he attained his Uefa B coaching badge, described their meeting with Caps United as; “A beautiful challenge which comes at the right time as we want to gauge our level of preparedness for the season. We’re ready to face a buoyant Caps United side that is coming from a cup victory and we expect a good game.”

Mafu will bank on seasoned players to lead them to victory with goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda leading from the back, with veteran utility player Felix Chindungwe competing for a starting place in central defence with the duo of Douglas Sibanda and Teenage Hadebe. Julius Daudi and Webster Chingodza could play as wingbacks.

It is in midfield where competition is stiff. The Bosso gaffer views the contest for starting places in the second third as a healthy one as he has seasoned players in the form of Tendai Ngulube, Mthulisi Maphosa, national Under-23’s Nqobizitha Masuku, Bruce Kangwa, ex-Caps United player Rahman Kutsanzira and Welcome Ndiweni to select.

There is also Godfrey Makaruse, King Nadolo, Knox Mutizwa and Valentine Ndaba who can give him another creative dimension in midfield.

Much-travelled Obidiah Tarumbwa who prefers to play as a secret striker will lead the attack with Ozias Zibande, Thomas Chideu, Gabriel Nyoni and Simba Sithole competing to partner him.

However, Bosso must brace for a tough encounter as Caps United will most certainly come guns blazing at the Bulawayo giants.

The Green Machine come to the City of Kings on cloud nine following their last weekend’s 5-4 win after a penalty shoot out against old nemesis Dynamos in a challenge cup.

Just like Highlanders, Caps United also have a new head of technical team led by Mark Harrison who will be hoping to shoot down the Bulawayo giants.

Ex-Highlanders midfielder Joel Ngodzo might face his former paymasters for the first time after joining the Harare giants last week, having been shut out at Bosso and it remains to be seen whether he might rediscover his yesteryear form that made him a darling at the Bulawayo giants back in 2010.

Also expected to lead the Green Machine are poster boy Roderick Mutuma who crossed the capital great divide from Dynamos, veteran defender Zvenyika Makonese who has been training with them, Hardlife Zvirekwi, Leonard Fiyado, Stephen Makatuka, Moses Muchenje and Ronald Pfumbidzai.

They also have Malawi internationals Gerald Phiri and Ishmael Thindwa in their books who on a good day could be thorns in Highlanders’ flesh.

Caps United are guaranteed a warm welcome at Barbourfields where they lost 4-0 to Highlanders last season with their Bulawayo Supporters’ Chapter assuring them morale support.

“Now that the club has everything it needs in as far as sponsorship is concerned, we pledge to do our part as followers by giving players the support that they need. We are appealing to our fans in Bulawayo and surrounding areas to come in their numbers so that we rally behind the boys and make them feel at home,” said Danmore Zingwe, Caps United Bulawayo Supporters’ Chapter chairman.

Tickets for the Bob91 Super Cup have been pegged  at $2 rest of the ground, $5 for the wings and $10 at the VIP.

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