Story by Mthokozisi Dube, Sports Reporter
BATTLE lines have been drawn in the epic clash pitting old foes Dynamos and Highlanders set for Emagumeni.
A mouth-watering tie is in the offing as the two usually dish out their best whenever they meet.
Having played to a nil-all stalemate in the reverse fixture, the battle of Zimbabwe part two comes when Dynamos are enjoying a purple patch under new coach Genesis Mangombe, while Bosso are wounded after losing their last two matches after a 19-match unbeaten run.
Highlanders coach Baltermor Brito is unfazed by the recent turn of events
“Preparing the one team under two defeats is difficult if u have players without character. Preparations are ongoing and we know what is at stake. The two defeats we know, but we are still on top and we want to do well. The mentality is the mentality of players who know their responsibility. We need to thank Sakunda for the support. We want a good match,” he said.
Brito is adamant that despite the two successive losses, his charges have shown signs of improvement.
“First we are not blunt, we are doing well. Good performance. This is your opinion. We assess our matches and they are signs of improvements and we take the blame when we do not perform well,” said Brito.
Highlanders’ vice-captain Peter Muduhwa believes they have done their homework to win Sunday’s game.
“Losing to Dynamos is not acceptable by our fans, so as players, we know what we want,” said Muduhwa.
Highlanders’ skipper and goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda who has conceded four goals in the past two matches believes a strong sense of belief will be key.
Sibanda said, “Conceding is part of the game but it’s how you recover that matters. Even the best short stoppers in the land concede.”
Highlanders welcome back enterprising midfielder McKinnon Mushore from suspension but will miss midfielder Darlington Mukuli who joins versatile midfielder Godfrey Makaruse and playmaker Devine Mhindirira in the treatment room.
