Zimpapers Logo

Mzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter—
BULAWAYO football enthusiasts are in for a rare treat this weekend when city sides Highlanders, How Mine and Bantu Rovers resume their Premier League campaigns with home ties. The fiesta begins at Luveve Stadium tomorrow when Bantu Rovers “Tshintsha Guluva” attempt to end ZPC Kariba’s unbeaten run.

On Saturday, Philani “Beefy” Ncube’s How Mine will welcome struggling Harare City to the same venue.
The Sunday blockbuster would be an epic clash between Highlanders and FC Platinum at Barbourfields Stadium, wrapping up the super football weekend.

Chicken Inn are the only city outfit on the road this weekend. They are set to invade Zvishavane to face a very stubborn Shabanie who are yet to lose at home.

All roads lead to Luveve Stadium tomorrow afternoon as Bantu Rovers face a huge task against ZPC Kariba who were due in the city last night and are set to train at a local high school today.

Tshintsha Guluva need maximum points to avoid a drop into the relegation zone.
Bantu Rovers coach Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu said they were geared for the ZPC test.

“Preparations have been going on well since Monday. We are playing a team which hasn’t lost so it won’t be an easy game and they definitely do not want to lose their record against Bantu but we are ready for them,” he said.

Tshintsha Guluva have so far              picked up nine points from Luveve Stadium.
Mpofu said his side is under pressure to move from the drop zone as they sit on 12th position on the table with only three wins and six defeats.

“We are under pressure yes, but I believe we will deliver against ZPC. We have most of the boys available for selection,” he said.
Bantu Rovers are recovering from the 1-0 loss to Caps United, thanks to goalkeeper Brighton Chipula’s error which saw him being beaten by Hardlife Zvirekwi at the near post.

Head coach Methembe Ndlovu will be pinning hopes on young charges such as Bukhosi Sibanda, Takunda Mutanga, Proud Zireni and captain Nqobizitha Masuku.

ZPC Kariba will be making their first trip to Bulawayo but their coaches Saul Chaminuka and Patson Ndabambi have an idea about what to expect having grown up here. A number of the team’s senior players have played a number of times at city stadia.
ZPC boast a strong squad with players such as Obey Mwerahari, Raphael Manuvire, Peter Muzondo and Limited Chikafa.

Veteran defender Norman Togara allegedly walked out of the club in a row over signing on fees.
On Saturday, How Mine will be hoping to put their draw against ZPC behind them as they seek to keep up with the top two Highlanders and Hwange.

How Mine assistant coach Simba Rusike said they have to continue from where they left off before                                         the international break where they had gone for seven games without a  loss.

“We have to continue from where we left off though the break might affect us a bit. But we have prepared well for the encounter and the team is ready,” said Rusike.

How Mine are counting on the form of Kuda “Mashefu” Musharu who is on song and is leading the goal scoring charts with eight goals.
Rusike said they are worried about Wonder Sithole’s injury.

“We are taking each game as it comes. There are no serious injuries, only Sithole who picked up a knock. We will have to assess him later,” he said.

The last clash in the city will be between Highlanders and FC Platinum at Barbourfields Stadium.
Kelvin Kaindu’s men will be on revenge mission against Lloyd Mutasa’s team that has breached Barbourfields on two occasions this season.

They beat the Bulawayo giants in the Independence Cup 6-5 on penalties after the game had ended goalless in regulation time. The platinum miners also prevailed 3-2 over their more illustrious opponents in the ZNA Charities play-offs.

Bosso have an upper hand when it comes to league matches as they are yet to lose to the Zvishavane side since 2011.
All Bulawayo matches will be beamed live on Supersport 9.

Fixtures
Tomorrow
Bantu Rovers v ZPC Kariba (Luveve Stadium, SS9)

Saturday
How Mine v Harare City (Luveve Stadium, SS9); Chapungu v Caps United; Black Rhinos v Buffaloes; Chiredzi v Hwange

Sunday
Highlanders v FC Platinum (Barbourfields Stadium, SS9); Shabanie vs Chicken Inn; Dynamos v Triangle