HARARE - FC Platinum coach Lloyd Mutasa has vowed to end Highlanders’ unbeaten run when the two teams clash in a Castle Premiership tie at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow.
Bosso alongside newcomers ZPC Kariba are the only teams in the Premiership yet to taste a defeat and Mutasa is confident of causing an upset.
The match has all the ingredients of a thriller with Bosso’s ex-player Njabulo Ncube set to be unleashed to face his former paymasters after signing for the Zvishavane-based side at the beginning of the year.
The Platinum miners endured a bad start to this year’s Castle Premiership but they made a steady recovery and are now occupying ninth place on the log table.
“Highlanders are the log leaders for now and they have also been runners-up in the past two seasons which shows that they are a good side,” Mutasa told Daily News yesterday.
“We have been preparing for them and we are ready. We are not afraid of any team in the league otherwise there would be no point of us competing with them.
“These are kind of matches that should show you whether you are progressing as a team or not. We have played them before this year but this is a different ball game all together.
“We are expecting a different approach from them. We are aware it’s not going to be easy but we have our own targets as a team and we are looking forward to the match.”
Mutasa revealed he would have a difficult time selecting the team which will battle against Bosso as everyone is fit, prompting a strong fight for places in the starting XI.
FC Platinum, just like the rest of the top-flight teams have benefited from the recess that was created to make way for the Warriors clash against Tanzania last weekend.
The former Dynamos midfielder, however, played down the presence of former Highlanders player in his ranks.
“I am happy that we have everybody back now and in fact my head is cracking in that who will be starting on Sunday. I suppose as a coach it is the kind of positive headache that you would want and I hope the guys will maintain their rhythm.
“As for Njabulo, he is one of those players just like everyone expected to deliver for the team. We will see after the final selection if he has made it into the squad,” added Mutasa.
Highlanders on the other hand will be hoping to extend their lead at the top. The Bulawayo giants are currently on 19 points from the first nine matches of the season.
Bosso will begin life without exciting Warriors’ winger Kuda Mahachi who have since relocated to his new team Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa.
Highlanders are also set to miss the services of midfielders Milton Ncube and Peter Moyo who are reportedly to be in South Africa finalizing deals with their new teams.
Fixtures:
Today: How Mine v Harare City (Luveve, SS), Chapungu v CAPS United (Ascot), Blck Rhinos v Buffaloes (Rimuka), Chiredzi v Hwange (Chishamiso)
Tomorrow: Highlanders v FC Platinum (Barbourfields, SS), Dynamos v Triangle (NSS), Shabnie Mine v Chicken Inn (Maglas)