Ngqabutho Moyo Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO giants Highlanders host Triangle FC in unfamiliar territory at Hartsfield Stadium this afternoon.
The match has been moved to the rugby venue because Barbourfields Stadium, Bosso’s traditional home venue is unavailable due to renovations being undertaken at the facility in readiness for the Region Five Games in December.
Biggie Zuze, the Triangle coach said he is happy with his good start to the second half of the season. He said they are geared up for the Highlanders challenge.
“We started the second half of the season very well and all I can say is we are ready for Highlanders Football Club,” said Zuze.
The two teams are meeting for the second time this season after sharing the spoils in the first round match at Gibbo Stadium in the lowveld. Zuze said they would not take Highlanders lightly because they are not at Emagumeni.
“We won’t take them lightly just because they are playing us at a different field. They are still at home and we will get into the match with everything we have for a positive result,” said Zuze. Both teams watched yesterday’s double header at Hartsfield Stadium when Harare City beat Bantu Rovers and How Mine drew with Buffaloes.
Highlanders’ boss Ndumiso Gumede made a passionate plea for fans to come early and to sit at appropriate places to avoid embarassment.
He said the VVIP tribune with a capacity of 60 people would be set aside for their sponsors and those of the league, executive members and Zifa board.
“It’s a pity it’s bucket seats and they can only take 60 people. We advise the members of the media and other VIPs to find their way to just below the main shed. The upper end will be a no go area. We appeal to people to co-operate,” said Gumede.
Pasca Manhanga of Highlanders will face his former paymasters for the first since moving to Bulawayo. He was on target last Sunday in the Chibuku Cup and is expected to combine well with man of the moment Felix Chindungwe, Charles Sibanda and Joel Ngodzo in midfield as they seek to carve open the vistors’ rearguard.
Encouraged by Chapungu’s win over ZPC Kariba yesterday and Dynamos’ in-house problems, Highlanders will be eager to leap to the top.
In Harare, Dynamos will play host to Hwange.