Bosso brace for cheeky Chapungu

FOLLOWING a disappointing 1-1 draw against debutants Bulawayo City, a bitter pill to swallow to their loyal but hard-to-please supporters, Highlanders will have a lot to prove when they clash with unpredictable Chapungu at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.

Ironically, Chapungu were the team that stole four points from Highlanders in a forgettable season in which the stuttering Bulawayo giants finished seventh in the 16-team league. The airmen caused something of a stir when they beat Highlanders 1-0 at Emagumeni before holding their more fancied opponents 1-1 in Gweru, feats that caused "alarm and despondency'' in the Bosso camp.

It will, rightly so, be wise to keep that courageous feat; coupled with the airmen's unparalleled, boundless determination to remain afloat that no one should count them out. Chapungu is one "small" team that have had the experience of playing before huge crowds, and they have gone all the way to come out with flying colours, upsetting the applecart.

And with Bosso's current suspect midfield, an equal uninspiring midfield coupled with a toothless strike force, a shadow of the team's former self, a side in which lone striker Knox Mutizwa has been crying out for an able partnership since the departure of Obadiah Tarumbwa, Highlanders have allowed their opponents a greater say especially in the vital engine room.

Unless there is a change in approach, change in attitudes from the coaches, Umantengwane faithfuls can as well brace for more heartaches more so as they meet a side that has in the past "brewed a shocker'' when playing against the big guns.

And lots will hinge on the Bosso technical department. What compunds the situation is that when under pressure everyone churns out instructions on the touch line. Nowadays it is difficult to see who is really in charge at Bosso. And already the fans are beginning to question the ingenuity of the coaches, the ability to steer the once revered juggernaut to the coveted title since 2006.

The fans have become as nostalgic as they openly yearn for the Highlanders' entertaining, touch-me-not type of play that was characterised by intense slogging. Their team (Highlanders) is a side that can only recall winning the league title in 2006, although they came close in 2007, 2012 and 2013.

Already in the current season Highlanders have played three matches at the once revered fortress, BF, and have managed to collect only four points out of a possible nine. They are fourth on the log standings with seven points from four games.

On the other hand, their opponents Chapungu are further down lying on 11th position having amassed four points from four games. But wise counsel has it that a team that is down has nowhere to go except up. When a team is down everyone writes them off, but oft their motivation always shoots up.
And yet Bosso coach Erol Akbay, remains optimistic.

"We will take the game seriously, the onus is now on us to start picking up the full points if we are to make (positive) progress. We will be cautious this time around so that we don't make stupid mistakes,'' says Akbay, skirting a question on their inability to play especially in the middle of the park.

"Players tend to go all out in attack leaving us exposed (in the middle), but every week we try to get better and better.''
The Bosso gaffer ruled out Ralph Matema and livewire Bruce Kangwa, although the duo had light training on Friday. At the other end, Chapungu boast of connoisseur par excellence in John Nyikadzino.

His side recently lost 1-0 to FC Platinum away from home, a feat that all but showed that the coach and his lads are more of a threat playing away from home than in Gweru. The fact that they caused a scare, and away from home, at FC Platinum, a side that beat Highlanders hands down at today's match venue on a 2-1 scoreline, then all should brace for an intriguing encounter at BF. The Chapungu camp could not be contacted for comment.