'Bosso will beat Dembare,' says Kapini

ZIMBABWE international goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini has tipped Highlanders to turn the tables on traditional rivals Dynamos when they clash in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields this Sunday.

Highlanders, who are aiming to break a seven-year league title drought, will be out to consolidate their place at the top of the table where they are involved in a tight race with three other teams - Dynamos, Harare City and FC Platinum.

It appears Highlanders have hit top form at the right moment following a string of ruthless displays in which they fired 10 goals past their opponents and letting in only one in their last three assignments, which include the Mbada Diamonds quarter-final tie against Buffaloes.

Interestingly, Bosso have not beaten Dynamos in a league match since 2006 when Kapini was still part of the team that went on to win the last championship for the club.

"It's a difficult call but I think Highlanders are enjoying a fantastic run. In terms of scoring goals they have an edge over Dynamos and for that reason I would predict a 3-2 victory for them," said Kapini.

"It's going to be interesting because both teams are strongly involved in the race for the championship. I have been looking at the log table and it looks very tight at the top and as a result no one would want to lose such a match.

"I would have loved to come and watch this match but it's unfortunate we have a game on the same day against Maritzburg United." Bosso set the tone ahead of this match when they hammered Buffaloes 3-0 in the Mbada Diamonds Cup and then followed up with a 4-1 crashing of Tripple B in a league tie.

And last Sunday they made a big statement of intent with a 3-0 thrashing of Black Rhinos in their Rimuka fortress where no team had won a game.

"If the title is to go to either Dynamos or Highlanders, I think the team that wins on Sunday will have strong chances of winning it.

"But, as it stands, it appears there are about four teams with chances and some of these teams will also play against each other in the remaining games.

"If anything, Harare City should fit the bill as one of the strongest contenders. They have done very well this year and they have no pressure at all since all the spotlight is on these two giants. It shouldn't surprise if they go ahead and win it," said Kapini.

Highlanders have a strong squad with a good mixture of talented players like Masimba Mambare, Njabulo Ncube, Peter Moyo, Bruce Kangwa, Milton Ncube, Mthulisi Maphosa, Innocent Mapuranga and former Dynamos goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya.

They also have good prospects in upcoming players like Ozias Zibande and Gabriel Nyoni.

Hillary Madzivanyika will also return to the fold after missing the last match through suspension.

Kapini said stage fright could be a factor and challenged the players to rise to the occasion.

"It's natural that there is a great feeling of excitement among the players during the week. Mind you, these are the biggest teams in Zimbabwe and that match is sure to attract a sellout crowd.

"I remember very well my first game against Dynamos was in 2001 in the Independence Cup final and we won on penalties after the match had ended in a nil-all draw.

"I was at Highlanders until 2006 and, believe it or not, I only lost twice against Dynamos in my entire career. My last game against them was at Barbourfields in 2006 but then I had already signed a contract with Silver Stars in South Africa.