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Innocent Kurira, [email protected]

HIGHLANDERS will be hoping to turn the page quickly after their disappointing 1-0 Independence Cup defeat to Dynamos when they take on Chicken Inn in a league clash at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow.

The Gamecocks also suffered heartbreak in the Provincial Independence Cup final, losing 5-3 on penalties to Bulawayo Chiefs on Thursday after a goalless draw in regulation time.

Bosso, however, remain undefeated in the league and is at the top of the log standings with 14 points after six games.

Chicken Inn are in fourth place with nine points from six games. The Gamecocks come into this match on a high after securing an impressive 2-0 victory over Green Fuel at Luveve Stadium.

Last season, the two sides played to a goalless draw in the first leg before Chicken Inn snatched the reverse fixture 2-0.

Highlanders seem to have addressed their scoring woes with former Chicken Inn striker Brighton Ncube and Lynoth Chikuhwa combining for seven goals so far.

Chicken Inn head coach, Joey Antipas said he was looking forward to an exciting encounter.

“It’s a difficult game. Highlanders have been playing well so we have to be at our best if we want to win the game. We have prepared well for the game and we will be ready to face them,” said Antipas.

Across town, another exciting clash unfolds at Luveve Stadium as Simba Bhora takes on Bulawayo Chiefs. Bulawayo Chiefs received a major boost following the return of their top scorer Never Rauzhi, who was suspended for the previous match. Rauzhi, with three goals this season, will be crucial for their attack.

Despite losing key players like Malvin Mkolo and Billy Veremu in the off-season, Bulawayo Chiefs have surprised many with their strong start. New signings like Rauzhi and Xolisani Moyo have seamlessly filled the void left by the departed players.

Joey Antipas

Outside Bulawayo, former champions FC Platinum lock horns with Bikita Minerals at Mandava Stadium. ZPC Kariba and Arenel Movers clash at Nyamhunga while Green Fuel host Herentals at their home ground. Yadah FC entertain Chegutu Pirates at the Heart Stadium.

The football frenzy spills over to Harare where Dynamos face TelOne at Rufaro Stadium. In another exciting fixture, Manica Diamonds, last year’s runners-up, welcome CAPS United at Sakubva Stadium in Mutare.

Castle Lager Premier Soccer Week 7

Saturday Fixtures

FC Platinum v Bikita Minerals (Mandava Stadium), ZPC v Arenel Movers (Nyamhunga), GreenFuel v Herentals (Greenfuel Arena), Yadah v Chegutu Pirates)

Sunday

Manica Diamonds v Caps United (Sakubva), Highlanders v Chicken Inn (Barbourfields), Hwange v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Colliery Stadium), Bulawayo Chiefs v Simba Bhora (Luveve).
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