Akbay seeks shutdown win

AFTER beating Dynamos home and away in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League this year, Highlanders will be hoping to continue that trend when the two sides clash at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow, as the Bulawayo giants conclude their 90th anniversary celebrations.

Highlanders coach, Erol Akbay said the match will be more than just a friendly match and to befit the momentous celebrations, he will be fielding his best 11 tomorrow.

"It's more than a friendly game. We are celebrating 90 years of Highlanders' existence and Dynamos are helping us in those celebrations. Dynamos are our friends and it will be great joy beating our own friends as we celebrate," he said.

Young striker, McCarthy Dube, who scored in the last league game in the 3-0 drubbing of Hwange at Barbourfields, is likely to be thrown into the fray to partner Ralph Matema.

Rahman Kutsanzira will also be part of the attack, together Simon Munawa.

"I have seen so many things in Kutsanzira and Munawa. They are the key players in my team. Prince Dube became one of the surprise stars," he said.

The Dutchman also spoke highly of 2016 Castle Lager Premiership Soccer Star of the Year finalist, Peter Muduhwa.

"When I came in, Muduhwa was a midfielder and we thrust him into defence and he emerged to be one of the best defenders in the country," Akbay said.

Skipper, Felix Chindungwe is also likely to make the team, as is his deputy, Erick Mudzingwa.

Bruce Kangwa, who is in the country on a mid-season break from his Tanzanian side, Azam FC, scooped the Top Goal Scorer of the Year award, and is likely to feature as a guest player in the challenge match.

Dynamos are likely to thrust fringe players, as they make plans for next season after a barren season.

Meanwhile, Malawi and Zimbabwe yesterday played out a goalless draw in Group D's second match in Maruleng at the Cosafa Under-20 Championship in South Africa.

In spite of goal-scoring chances created by both outfits, neither side was able to break the deadlock.