Zimpapers Logo

Kelvin Kaindu

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS coach Kelvin Kaindu believes the time to separate boys from men in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season begins this weekend when his team takes on struggling Bantu Rovers in a city derby.Amahlolanyama’s setback, however, is that their key players are either injured or ill and these are goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda, struggling for form Simon Munawa and leading goalscorer in the league, Charles Sibanda.

Kaindu said in the first half there was no team that could have been said to have grabbed the league title or even relegated and as such positions on the table were not a barometer for gauging a team’s strength or weaknesses.

“We are just beginning the second half of the season and so far no team has been confirmed as relegated or as clear-cut championship favourites but now it’s also the time that teams may begin to be separated proper,” said Kaindu.

He said there was no reason to be fooled by the two teams, Highlanders and Bantu Rovers’ positions on the table.

In the reverse fixture, the Methembe Ndlovu-coached Tshintsha Guluva were clearly the better side, coming up with some methodical build-ups against their more illustrious and decorated opponents but still found themselves on the losing end, just like in most of the games that they have played this season.

Coach Ndlovu is aware of the task ahead and believes they need to start picking up points beginning on Sunday against Bosso.

“Obviously time is running out and it’s high time we start getting positive results. 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,” Ndlovu said.

Both teams are likely to showcase their second half signings, Tshintsha Guluva throwing in Dalu Moroka from an English club while Bosso are likely to play their Chiredzi find, Tapiwa Dephistara.

Another city side, Chicken Inn, are also home to the season’s surprise package ZPC (Kariba) who have defied all odds by getting to the second half mark without tasting defeat. The match is scheduled for Luveve Stadium tomorrow while at the Colliery, Hwange will be hoping for a change of fortunes when they play host to the Sunshine boys, Harare City.

Hwange have dropped nine points in their last three games and need to start the second half of the season on a positive note to restore that sense of belief among the players and their ever passionate supporters.