Bosso's Bekithemba Ndlovu in charge on Sunday

HIGHLANDERS FC assistant coach Bekithemba Ndlovu is likely to get his first official game in charge of the Bulawayo giants when they take on relegated Motor Action at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.

Ndlovu has been assistant to Kelvin Kaindu who is in England attending a Uefa B Licence coaching course which started on Monday and ends today.

According to a source, the Zambian expatriate was yesterday making frantic efforts to get a flight that would see him arrive in South Africa tomorrow before connecting either to Bulawayo or Harare.

"When he left for the UK, he tried to get a returning flight for Friday but was told that he will be put on the waiting list. The last time I spoke to him he had not yet managed to get a seat but he remains hopeful. If he fails to get a flight on Friday (today), it means he will only be here on Sunday," said the source.

Ndlovu, a former Highlanders captain, has been taking the players through their paces throughout the week, following on a programme left by Kaindu.

Ndlovu has in the past taken care of the team during friendly matches in the absence of Kaindu and now this is the time for him to stand up and lead the Bulawayo giants.

Highlanders are third on the log with 47 points, just a point behind log leaders Dynamos and they are aware that for them to keep their championship hopes alive they have to win their match against Motor Action.

The question is, can Super as Ndlovu is affectionately known, manage to lift the players' spirits and guide them as they venture into the Bulls' kraal on Sunday?

No doubt, Dynamos' supporters that will not travel to Gibbo Stadium for their match against Triangle will come in their numbers to rally behind relegated Motor Action.

The mental strength that Ndlovu spoke about during the week will be needed for his charges to pull out of Rufaro Stadium with maximum points.

After their defeat to Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday, Highlanders need to shake off the dust.

In an interview yesterday, Highlanders' chairman Peter Dube expressed confidence Ndlovu would deliver.

"The issue of availability of Kaindu is all about him getting a connecting flight that can land him here before the game. In the event that he is not there, we have prepared for those kinds of hiccups with Beke (Ndlovu) having been in charge of the training programme throughout the week. When duty calls, Beke will do the job and as Highlanders we are confident that he will lead the team very well in the absence of Kaindu. What we call for is for our supporters to rally behind the team in every circumstance," said Dube.

Ndlovu is aware of the danger Motor Action poses for his team and said they have been warning against complacency in their team.

The multi-championship winner with Bosso said they have "buried" their defeat to Dynamos.

"A lot can change with each passing week because all the title chasing teams along the way face opponents who are either not safe from relegation or those that are playing for pride like Motor Action. We will not undermine our opponents even if they have been relegated because the last kicks of a dying horse are very dangerous," said Ndlovu.

Highlanders will be without skipper Innocent Mapuranga who tore a thigh muscle in the Dynamos match.

Eric Mudzingwa is likely to be given the armband and partner Dumisani "Fazo" Ndlovu at the heart of defence with Bruce Kangwa on the left side of defence while Bruce Tshuma and Lawson Nkomo will battle it out for the right back position.

The midfield is likely to be built around Mthulisi Maphosa, Peter "Rio" Moyo, Milton Ncube, Simon Munawa and Masimba Mambare while Gabriel Nyoni is expected to lead the strikeforce in the absence of suspended Njabulo Ncube.