Bosso tipped to lift Sup8r

SOCCER fans in the city have predicted a tough and exciting BancABC Sup8r final between Highlanders and Motor Action at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow.

They have however tipped the Bulawayo giants, Bosso to lift their second silverware of the season following their triumph in the Independence Cup in which they claimed the scalps of bitter rivals, Dynamos at the National Sports Stadium.

Isaiah Mwale said while he foresees a closely fought affair as both teams are good, Highlanders will eventually come good and bag the $50 000 winners' prize.

"If we remain focused and click in the midfield and strikeforce I am quite positive that Highlanders will win it. Sizobesikhona sikhuza,"urged Mwale.

He urged soccer lovers to come in their numbers and witness what would probably be the match of the season.

Socialite and Paparadzi Leisure Centre manager, Emmanuel Mahaso also tipped Highlanders to come good against the Harare based side.

"Highlanders have been consistent in cup games this season and if you look at their passage to the final you will realise that they beat cup fighters and for that I tip them to win on Saturday," he said.

Mahaso said Tshilamoya will also have their vociferous fans who will throng Barbourfields Stadium to cheer the team up.

Cowdray Park resident Patrick Bhunu, said the match might go either way as both teams have good players who are seasoned in the game.

He however, said Motor Action might be crippled by the absence of their two key strikers Kudakwashe Musharu and Tawanda Nyamandwe who were red carded in their 7-6 penalty shootouts win over Dynamos in the semifinals.

"Its difficult to predict but I think the better team of the day will win. Let us also not be fooled by the fact that Motor Action have beaten Highlanders twice this season, it's a different ball game altogether," said Bhunu.

However, Ben Dzuda of Cowdray Park predicted an outright 2-1 win for the visitors. This was supported by a Khumalo resident, Innocent Mahlaba.

"The two teams have played each other twice already this season and Motor Action have on both occasions come right so I tip them to complete a treble," said Mahlaba.

Former Hwange secretary Charles Nyala, said the match will be closely fought hence it would be difficult to predict who will win it.

"All I can say is that it promises to be a very good match for the fans and people should come in their numbers to witness what will probably be the match of the season. The first team to find their rhythm might carry the day though," said Nyala, now a businessman in the coal mining town of Hwange.

A former goalkeeper with the then Zesa (Hwange), now ZPC Nyala said the two goalkeepers Marlon Jani for Motor Action and Ariel Sibanda for Highlanders, will have a big influence on the direction the cup will go.

Lisa Mangena, the Bulawayo Netball League secretary and a staunch Highlanders supporter, said there was no doubt that Highlanders will win but what is not know is by how many goals?

"This cup will remain in Bulawayo, befuna bengafuni. There is nowhere that my team (Bosso) can lose to one team three times in one season, never," said Mangena.

The match fever has gripped the City of Kings and there are indications the stadium will be packed come Saturday.

Chronicle Sport was inundated with calls from as far as Victoria Falls, Chipinge, Mutare, Beitbridge as fans enquired about the gates opening times.

According to the organisers, gates will open as early as 10am.

Meanwhile, both teams have declared that they will lift the trophy with Highlanders showing their intentions and seriousness by going into a secret camp on Wednesday. Normally when playing at home, they camp a day before the match.