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Gishon Ntini

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
CONTROVERSIAL coach Gishon Ntini has urged struggling Highlanders to rise from their slumber or risk further punishment by his Chiredzi boys when the two teams clash in a re-scheduled league match at Hartsfield Grounds this afternoon.

Bosso have not won a league match in their last five outings, the last being a 1-3 rout by Chipangano at the Colliery Stadium on Wednesday where it is reported some executive members had a nasty confrontation with angry travelling supporters at a filling station in the coal mining town.

From championship contenders, Bosso are now fighting for a top eight finish.

“Whenever Bosso go down like this we mustn’t put a smile because it affects our football development but I want to say to them they should wake up or we’re going to add more misery on them tomorrow,” said Ntini yesterday.

He said his team would put up a good fight despite the fact that they are already relegated, adding that Highlanders should never expect any favours from them.

“It’s a fact that Highlanders is a big team, big institution for that matter and they’ve the potential of rising anytime,” said Ntini.

Sounding sarcastic, Ntini said he wished Highlanders the best in their survival struggle.

Responding, Bosso coach Mark Mathe said they would not underrate their opponents.

He said they were therefore approaching the game with caution.

“Chiredzi have absolutely nothing to lose but everything to gain by beating Highlanders so we’re giving them total respect,” said Mathe who welcomes back speed merchant Gabriel Nyoni who picked up an injury while on national duty with the Under-23 in Swaziland two weeks ago.

Also set to make a return to the squad is Charles Sibanda who was dropped for the Hwange trip.

The club has since forgiven him after he apologised but Mathe said Sibanda was not guaranteed a starting place.

Bosso’s defence has been leaking like a sieve and the solution could be to play Mthulisi Maphosa in central defence where he has previously shone at Monomotapa.

Fixture: Highlanders v Chiredzi (Hartsfield)