Highlanders wont change style of play for Tsholotsho says Akbay

DEFENDING champions Chicken Inn face a stern test this afternoon when they take on How Mine in the first Bulawayo derby of the weekend which precedes the Highlanders - Tsholotsho clash tomorrow.

Chicken Inn who are on top of the table with six points take on the gold miners at Luveve Stadium seeking to make it three wins out of three outings while Bosso and Tsholotsho will lock horns at Barbourfields Stadium.

With bragging rights at stake for all the four teams, football fans are guaranteed of an entertaining castle Lager Premier Soccer league weekend. The Gamecocks are aware that a defeat against How Mine who are coming from a morale boosting 2-0 win against ZPC Kariba will cost them a place at the top of the table.

Before the ZPC Kariba victory, How Mine's last win was last year on May 12 when they beat Buffaloes 1-0. Chicken Inn captain Danny Phiri predicted a tough encounter against the miners whom he described as a dangerous unit.

"They are a dangerous unit and we have to show character against such a good side. Being a derby, this will be a tight game because no one wants to lose this game which means that the team which will be hungrier will walk away with maximum points," said the reigning Soccer Star of the Year, who remains confident of a victory.

"This is a derby and form won't matter that much. What we want is just to grind a result," said Phiri. The defending champions will pin their hopes on Phiri who is coming from a week-long trial stint at South Africa's Golden Arrows alongside central midfielder Tafadzwa Kutinyu and Moses Demera.

How Mine should also keep a close eye on attackers Obidiah Tarumbwa, Edmore Chirambadare and Mitchelle Katsvairo. National team central defender Lawrence Mhlanga, Moses Jackson, Young Warriors' Devine Lunga and Passmore Bernard will provide cover for Chicken Inn's goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze.

How Mine on the other hand will bank on seasoned goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya, defender Nyasha Mukumbi and Praise Tonha, the midfield trio of Pasca Manhanga, Thembani Masuku and Tsepo Rantokoane while Charles Sibanda and Kuda Musharu are expected to lead their attack.

How Mine's coach Kelvin Kaindu will want to see his side maintain their unbeaten run. "They are the defending champions and they have a reputation to protect. This is a derby, anything can happen and our preparations for the match have gone on well," Kaindu said.

The miners trained under closed doors on Wednesday preparing for the Gamecocks. Meanwhile, Highlanders' coach Erol Akbay said he is not worried about Tsholotsho. "My team is ready for the game and we have to bounce back to winning ways. I know they are coming from a win, but I will maintain my own style and I refuse to change my strategy because of them. If anything, the opposition will change the strategy not me," said Akbay.

Bosso lost their last league match 1-2 to FC Platinum a fortnight ago and are hard-pressed for a victory. The 2015 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Top Goal Scorer Knox Mutizwa, veteran Ralph Matema as well as youngster Prince Dube will be expected to lead Highlanders' strike force on Sunday. There has been concern that Mutizwa is not putting much effort in fear of an injury as he is now bound for the South African Absa Premiership League where he will join Bidvets.

Bruce Kangwa who has been pushed from defence to midfield, King Nadolo, Simon Munawa, rahman Kutsanzira and young Adrian Silla are some of Highlanders' midfielders expected to provide scoring opportunities to their forwards.

Tsholotsho's gaffer Lizwe Sweswe believes that if they manage to soak pressure from the Bosso fans they have a chance to win the game.

"I know player for player we can match them. Their supporters play an important role in driving them but if we stick to our game plan we can get a positive result," Sweswe said.

Tsholotsho beat Bulawayo City 1-0 in their last league game. The Naughty Boys, as Tsholotsho are also known, will bank on skipper William Stima who will guide the defence made up of Thandolwenkosi Ncube, MacClive Phiri and Nkosilathi Moyo.

Tsholotsho's midfield unit of defensive midfielder Butholezwe Ncube, Ocient Ncube, Kriess Chitiyo, Simbarashe Gorogodyo and veteran Joel Luphahla is expected to crack Bosso.

Lynnoth Chikuhwa will play as a lone striker.

Fixtures

Saturday:
Chicken Inn v How Mine (Luveve),
ZPC Kariba v Bulawayo City (Nyamhunga),
FC Platinum v Chapungu (Mandava)

Sunday:
Triangle United v Border Strikers (Gibbo),
Tsholotsho FC v Highlanders (Barbourfields),
Caps United v Harare City (National Sports Stadium),
Mutare City Rovers v Dynamos (Sakubva),
Hwange v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Colliery)