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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
ZPC KARIBA arrive in Bulawayo today in buoyant mood and could end the weekend as Dynamos’ main challengers with victory over Highlanders at Hartsfield tomorrow.
The Premier League debutants, who have kept pace with the leading pack and have led the race themselves, appeared eager on Friday to rub their hosts’ noses, with their manager Partson Ndabambi putting the foot in.

Ndabambi claims Highlanders’ switch from Barbourfields – which is under renovation – to Hartsfield, has taken away their fear factor.
“Dynamos, Highlanders and Caps United are our biggest clubs, but of late Highlanders’ performances have been a mockery of this great institution, especially ever since they moved to Hartsfield,” Ndabambi claimed.

“There’s nothing at all to make us feel intimidated by them.”
Ndabambi received a sharp rebuke from the under-fire Highlanders coach, Kelvin Kaindu, who had this terse reply: “It’s their opinion, whether playing at BF or Hartsfield we’re still Highlanders.”

The reverse fixture ended 1-1, both goals coming from Highlanders players after Innocent Mapuranga beat his own goalkeeper, cancelling out a beautiful header by another defender, Eric Mudzingwa.

ZPC have already demonstrated that they are not overawed in the Premier League and have lost just once all season at Chapungu.
They currently have the same number of points as Highlanders in joint second, trailing Dynamos by four points.

Kaindu has been told by Highlanders bosses that only winning the Premier League title would keep him a job, setting the stage for a tasty clash on Sunday with Saul Chaminuka’s men whose maiden season has been the stuff of dreams.

With just seven matches remaining, Dynamos have their rivals where they want them behind. In the same position over the last two seasons, they have gone on to clinch the title with Highlanders finishing as runners up.

Dynamos host relegation-threatened Shabanie Mine at Rufaro, with the asbestos miners’ coach Jairos Tapera admitting it would be a mammoth task to stop Callisto Pasuwa’s men.

Highlanders’ former goalkeepers trainer Tembo Chuma will face his former paymasters for the first time in Bulawayo.
Kaindu said they had since changed their approach for the games that are remaining with their training schedule now driven by the kind of opposition they will be facing.

“We’ll approach the game with an attacking attitude. As Highlanders, we always respect all our opponents,” he said yesterday.
The Zambian welcomes back gangly Dumisani “Fazo” Ndlovu and Simon Munawa who missed the 1-0 defeat away to Harare City through suspension.
The absence of Ndlovu saw Kaindu juggle with his positional set up, throwing Welcome Ndiweni to the right back position.

Highlanders CEO Ndumiso Gumede said the club’s fans would play a major role in the run-in and urged them to recreate the Barbourfields atmosphere to Hartsfield.
Gate charges for the match have been pegged at $5 for the rest of the ground, $10 wing and $20 for the VIP.

“We call upon our true and loyal followers to come in their numbers and rally behind the boys. They’re out 12th men and if the team has needed their support this season, it is now,” said Gumede.

At Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane, Moses Chunga takes his Buffaloes to FC Platinum who are now under the guidance of Norman Mapeza.
“I respect Mapeza. He’s a good coach and has accolades from previous clubs as a player and coach, but it must be noted that I’m not afraid of him and I don’t fear him,” Chunga said.

Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Fixtures
Today: How Mine v Chicken Inn (Hartsfield), FC Platinum v Buffaloes (Mandava), Chapungu v Chiredzi ( Ascot), Black Rhinos v Caps United (Rimuka)
Tomorrow: Dynamos v Shabanie Mine ( Rufaro), Triangle United v Harare City (Gibbo), Highlanders v ZPC Kariba (Hartsfield)
Monday: Bantu Rovers v Hwange (Hartsfield)