Bosso, How Mine in epic battle

PLAYING Highlanders these days is no longer as scary as in the past, but the Bulawayo giants still remain one of the two biggest teams in the country.

However, they need to jealously safeguard their good reputation.

How Mine coach Luke Masomere stoked the flames ahead of their epic clash at Barbourfields tomorrow saying it was up to Bosso to decide whether or not they were still a football giant

"It's up to them really to determine that but what I know is that Highlanders have a very good reputation which they must safeguard jealously," said Masomere.

"Bosso have a culture which we as How Mine don't have, but are trying to create. You can't take that away from them.

"I personally envy Highlanders' reputation."

He maintained that Bosso's reputation appears to frighten some referees whenever the two teams clash resulting in biased officiating.

"I can be asked today as Masomere to be in charge of a Real Madrid and Bayern Munich match and I tell you I will handle it professionally because I will simply be applying what the rule book says," said Masomere.

"I won't worry about who is playing but our referees seem to be overawed by the occasion whenever they officiate in matches involving Highlanders and I am speaking here about matches involving How Mine, not any other team."

The reverse league fixture in June ended 1-1 after Bosso were awarded a controversial penalty deep into time added on when striker Thomas Chideu seemed to have impeded How Mine's defender Nelson Tachi.

Last week, Masomere was again up in arms against referee Allen Basvi for his handling of their Chibuku Super Cup first round tie against Bosso at the same venue.

He accused the referee of allowing the goal by striker Obadiah Tarumbwa, from a direct free-kick, to stand despite having awarded it as an indirect free-kick.

"Why are those decisions always going Highlanders' way whenever we play against them? But let me rest my case (as) I have talked enough about Highlanders and referees," said Masomere.

The gaffer said he will welcome back his twin strikers Mgcini Sibanda and Nefitary Ndale, who have been out through injury.

"Tawanda Muparati is also fully fit and may feature. Preparations have gone well and we are looking forward to the match," said Masomere.

How Mine will come up against a Bosso side missing six players through a variety of reasons ranging from injury to suspensions.

Bosso will be without dependable defenders Erick Mudzingwa, Teenage Hadebe, Douglas Sibanda, Honest Moyo and Webster Chingodzo.

Mudzingwa and Chingodza are out injured, Sibanda is not feeling well while Hadebe is on trials with Ajax Cape Town in South Africa.

Moyo and midfielder King Nadolo are serving a one-match suspension after picking up three yellow cards.

With Chingodza out, Bosso coach Bongani Mafu could pull back Simon Munawa into the right back position and throw Nqobizitha Masuku into midfield.

However, the big worry for Mafu would be whether Hadebe will fly in from South Africa in time for the match to partner Felix Chindungwe in central defence.

If not, Peter Muduhwa, who was recalled from a loan spell at Bulawayo Chiefs, might be given his senior Bosso debut in that role.