Sports / Soccer
Bosso's Akbay frets over Triangle clash
27 Jul 2016 at 03:09hrs | Views
BULAWAYO giants Highlanders are expecting a physical encounter against Triangle United in this afternoon's Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields Stadium.
Highlanders' coach Erol Akbay said he knew little about Triangle, having watched them only once, but is hopeful that his style of play will inspire Bosso to maximum points.
The Dutch coach's arrival seems to have breathed life into Bosso, as they are firmly positioned in the title race. However, they will be without four key players in today's encounter.
Attacking midfielder Rahman Kutsanzira and the defensive duo of Honest Moyo and Benson Phiri are all out through injury.
The league's leading goal scorer with seven goals Bruce Kangwa is another notable absentee, as he is with Tanzanian giants Azam.
"What I want is for my team to play good football against Triangle. I know little about our opponents, whom I watched once and saw that they have strong players and the match may be physical. You know, morale is high in our camp because of our wins against Caps United and Harare City, but we've to change the style of play because we don't have Bruce and some of the guys. However, I have faith in the team that we have and I'm sure we will get a good result," Akbay said.
The Dutchman will be hoping youngsters, who include left-back Bukhosi Ncube (18), central defender Peter Muduhwa (22), midfielders Adrian Silla and King Nadolo come to party against Triangle.
They also have 19-year-old striker Prince Dube to penetrate the visiting team's defence.
Skipper Felix Chindungwe, who missed the previous league game against Caps United through suspension, returns to action and is among the experienced players that include Erick Mudzingwa, Tendai Ngulube and Ralph Matema expected to guide the lads.
Triangle coach David Mandigora said his charges are ready for Bosso.
"We're ready to fight. They play similar football to us and we're ready," said Mandigora.
He said they were hoping to bounce back to winning ways as they are still smarting from a 1-3 loss to Ngezi Platinum.
Former national team defender Guthrie Zhokinyi, striker Ralph Kawondera, 2015 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Soccer Star of the Year finalist Malvin Gaki and attacking midfielder Lameck Nhamo are expected to lead Triangle's charge.
Bosso lost top spot to FC Platinum, who beat Chicken Inn 1-0 at White City Stadium last Saturday.
Highlanders are second on the league table with 30 points; three behind FC Platinum, and can reclaim top spot should they beat Triangle.
Triangle will also be seeking to break their three-year jinx against Bosso, as they have never beaten the Bulawayo giants since gaining promotion four years ago.
They have lost three times to Highlanders and drawn the remainder.
Triangle are sixth on the log with 22 points and can move up the ladder if they surprise Bosso.
In another encounter, the survival battle between Tsholotsho FC and Mutare City Rovers is on at Luveve Stadium this afternoon.
PSL fixtures
Today: Highlanders v Triangle United (Barbourfields), Tsholotsho FC v Mutare City Rovers (Luveve)
Highlanders' coach Erol Akbay said he knew little about Triangle, having watched them only once, but is hopeful that his style of play will inspire Bosso to maximum points.
The Dutch coach's arrival seems to have breathed life into Bosso, as they are firmly positioned in the title race. However, they will be without four key players in today's encounter.
Attacking midfielder Rahman Kutsanzira and the defensive duo of Honest Moyo and Benson Phiri are all out through injury.
The league's leading goal scorer with seven goals Bruce Kangwa is another notable absentee, as he is with Tanzanian giants Azam.
"What I want is for my team to play good football against Triangle. I know little about our opponents, whom I watched once and saw that they have strong players and the match may be physical. You know, morale is high in our camp because of our wins against Caps United and Harare City, but we've to change the style of play because we don't have Bruce and some of the guys. However, I have faith in the team that we have and I'm sure we will get a good result," Akbay said.
The Dutchman will be hoping youngsters, who include left-back Bukhosi Ncube (18), central defender Peter Muduhwa (22), midfielders Adrian Silla and King Nadolo come to party against Triangle.
They also have 19-year-old striker Prince Dube to penetrate the visiting team's defence.
Skipper Felix Chindungwe, who missed the previous league game against Caps United through suspension, returns to action and is among the experienced players that include Erick Mudzingwa, Tendai Ngulube and Ralph Matema expected to guide the lads.
Triangle coach David Mandigora said his charges are ready for Bosso.
He said they were hoping to bounce back to winning ways as they are still smarting from a 1-3 loss to Ngezi Platinum.
Former national team defender Guthrie Zhokinyi, striker Ralph Kawondera, 2015 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Soccer Star of the Year finalist Malvin Gaki and attacking midfielder Lameck Nhamo are expected to lead Triangle's charge.
Bosso lost top spot to FC Platinum, who beat Chicken Inn 1-0 at White City Stadium last Saturday.
Highlanders are second on the league table with 30 points; three behind FC Platinum, and can reclaim top spot should they beat Triangle.
Triangle will also be seeking to break their three-year jinx against Bosso, as they have never beaten the Bulawayo giants since gaining promotion four years ago.
They have lost three times to Highlanders and drawn the remainder.
Triangle are sixth on the log with 22 points and can move up the ladder if they surprise Bosso.
In another encounter, the survival battle between Tsholotsho FC and Mutare City Rovers is on at Luveve Stadium this afternoon.
PSL fixtures
Today: Highlanders v Triangle United (Barbourfields), Tsholotsho FC v Mutare City Rovers (Luveve)
Source - chronicle
