Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League log leaders Highlanders face another stern test of character when they clash with city rivals Chicken Inn in a Bulawayo derby set for Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
The Bulawayo giants, who lost their first match of the season last Saturday against FC Platinum have no time to lick their wounds as they face their rivals and the 2015 champions for a PSL Match-Day 22 encounter.
The two sides played out to a goalless draw in the reverse encounter, but Highlanders know all too well that they must be at their best to return to winning ways against a side they have failed to beat since 2019.
Highlanders go into the encounter top of the log with 41 points, while Chicken Inn are nine points behind in fifth position.
Action, however, starts on Saturday as defending champions FC Platinum who are looking to build momentum after a giant-killing act face troubled Bulawayo Chiefs at Luveve Stadium, while relegation-haunted Cranborne Bullets host giants Dynamos at Nyamhunga Stadium.
A Manicaland derby is in the offing at Gibbo Stadium when Manica Diamonds take on Green Fuel as Herentals welcome second-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars to Mandava Stadium.
Hwange, who have not set the league alight since their return to the topflight, travel to Gweru for a date with new boys, Sheasham.
The last match of the day will see relegation-threatened Simba Bhora taking on equally troubled Yadah at Baobab Stadium.
Sunday sees fading giants CAPS United who can be sucked into the relegation matrix if they don’t start picking up points facing Black Rhinos at Bata Stadium while equally troubled Triangle welcomes ZPC Kariba to Gibbo Stadium.
