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Ralph Matema celebrates after scoring

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
VETERAN striker Ralph Matema is likely to start for Highlanders in this afternoon’s Castle Lager Premiership clash with ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga Stadium, while midfielder Simon Munawa is out with an ankle injury. Cosafa Castle Cup winning left-back Honest Moyo is still out with a hamstring injury suffered in the Warriors’ ill-fated African Nations Championship (Chan) second leg encounter against Namibia at the National Sports Stadium last month. The injury also cost Moyo a trial stint with an Absa Premiership side.

Also out is winger Rahman Kutsanzira, although the player is reportedly fit and could even have played in the uninspiring 0-0 stalemate with Harare City at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.

“Rahman was very disappointed to be left out of the Harare City game as he was eager to play, but the coaches thought otherwise, preferring instead to field half fit players like Munawa, who has eventually been left out. On this trip to Kariba he ought to have gone, but he was left behind,” said a source close to the Bosso dressing room.

Coach Erol Akbay confirmed that Munawa suffered an ankle injury on Sunday. “Matema is back, but Munawa, Honest and Rahman are out,” said Akbay.

Bosso left for Kariba on Tuesday to acclimatise and will be hoping for a maiden win against ZPC Kariba on the road.

The two sides played to a thrilling duel in the reverse fixture at Barbourfields Stadium that saw Highlanders eventually winning 3-2.

Bosso are on 32 points and need a win and to maintain consistency for them to be counted among the title contenders.

The Bulawayo giants have failed to maintain a winning streak, with the longest victory streak coming after their 3-2 win over ZPC Kariba. It was followed by a hard fought 2-1 away win over Tsholotsho and a 1-0 win over title favourites Ngezi Platinum Stars.

Since then, Bosso have been putting up yoyo performances that have kept some fans away. – @skhumoyo2000.