Story by Mthokozisi Dube
DEFENDING champions Scottland FC are bracing for another impressive outing when they clash with Highlanders FC in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Matchday Six encounter at Rufaro Stadium this Monday.
Seven points separate the two sides, with Scottland enjoying an unbeaten start to the season, while Highlanders are still searching for their first victory after a series of draws.
The Norman Mapeza-coached Scottland outfit has struck a rich vein of form, with talisman Khama Billiat playing a pivotal role in the team’s strong run.
Bosso coach Benjani Mwaruwari acknowledges the magnitude of the challenge but remains optimistic his side can finally secure maximum points.
“To be quite honest, from the beginning up to now, they were tough games, and I can say that there are no small boys in this league. After Scottland we play a stubborn Kariba, and I will be here singing the same song. I think all games are difficult but one thing we need to do is to get that win. Sometimes, as I said, we are getting clean sheets, but we need to try to concentrate on our final third. Everyone wants us to score, so we will go back to the drawing board and work on that, but time is not on our side. I have been a striker myself, and when goals are not coming, you need to be calm and composed, but we will work on our finishing,” he said.
Elsewhere, Chicken Inn FC host FC Hunters at Barbourfields Stadium, while ZPC Kariba face TelOne FC at Nyamhunga Stadium.
A potentially explosive encounter is expected at Gibbo Stadium where Triangle United host ambitious Hardrock FC.
GreenFuel FC face MWOS FC, while FC Platinum take on Bulawayo Chiefs at Mandava Stadium.
FC Platinum coach Joel Luphahla says squad rotation will be key amid the congested fixture schedule.
“We had other players that did not play today, so we will tinker with them. We cannot complain because all these other teams are doing the same thing. Of course, some played on Thursday, so they will have one extra day to rest, but I think it is also good for us to keep going. We have got other players that can come in because we need to refresh the team. We cannot play the same team that played Highlanders. Some will start from the bench in our next fixture, but at the end of the day, these are games that we have to play. We hope that when we go home, we capitalise on home advantage because we have had three draws on the trot. It puts a little bit of pressure on us, but we are hoping we will use home advantage,” he said.
Matchday Six fixtures conclude on Tuesday when Herentals FC clash with Ngezi Platinum Stars at Rufaro Stadium.
