'I am not scared of Highlanders'

BULAWAYO City coach Philani "Beefy" Ncube has declared that he is not scared of facing Highlanders as he has come up against the giants and conquered them before.

Speaking ahead of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League contest between the two Bulawayo teams at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon, Ncube, who has coached teams such as Njube Sundowns, Chicken Inn, Quelaton and How Mine, at the highest level prior to taking up a role at Bulawayo City said Highlanders might worry his players but he is unfazed and the 2008 Zimbabwe Coach of the Year is confident of collecting his first set of three points against one of the biggest teams in Zimbabwe.

"I am not scared of Highlanders, maybe my boys are but I am not, I have played against them before and beaten them,'' said Ncube.

Amid spying allegations from both camps ahead of this clash, City had to shift their training sessions to Esigodini away from the prying eyes of the Bosso technical team. This was after Highlanders were said to have literally abandoned their own workout at the Barbourfields outside pitches to "spy" on City's game plan. Amakhosi were making use of the BF main field. On the other hand, Highlanders said they were not worried that City were spying on them, after watching their last league game, and taking into consideration that they train next to each other.

Ncube's confidence could stem from the fact that he gave Highlanders a torrid time while he was in charge of How Mine.

The Bulawayo City coach has at his disposal seasoned players capable of snatching away three points against Highlanders. The likes of Ndodana Sibanda, Mthulisi Maphosa, Brighton Dube, Xolisani Moyo, Liberty Chirava, Warren Dube, Eddy Nkulungo, Mkhululi Moyo and Innocent Kutsanzira have the ability to steer City to victory.

City have so far drawn two matches while they have tasted defeat once. They started off their campaign with a 2-2 against How Mine before they were beaten 1-0 by Tsholotsho. Last Saturday, they came back with a point from their visit to ZPC Kariba.

Highlanders on the other hand have two wins as well as a loss. Bosso will be looking to pick up maximum points so as to keep up with the leading pack. Erol Akbay, the Highlanders coach has stuck with a familiar starting line up. If that trend is to continue, Benson Phiri, Honest Moyo, Felix Chindungwe and Tendai Ndlovu are sure to make up the backline to provide good cover for Ariel Sibanda in goals. Last Sunday in their 2-1 victory over Tsholotsho, Akbay resisted the temptation to start with a fit again Erick Mudzingwa at the back.

Only youngster Adrian Silla was given his first PSL start in midfield. Silla, Rahman Kutsanzira, Simon Munawa, King Nadolo, Godfrey Makaruse, Douglas Sibanda and Bruce Kangwa are the available options in what has been a lifeless midfield for Highlanders so far this season save for the industry of Kangwa's who has scored and created goal scoring opportunities for Bosso.

Knox Mutizwa and Prince Dube, scorers in the success over Tsholotsho are certain to be the men tasked with finding the target for Highlanders with veteran Ralph Matema still ruled out by a knee injury.

In the only other fixture lined up for this afternoon, former champions Dynamos will look to carry where they left in Mutare last Sunday but are sure not to have it easy as they meet Caps United at Rufaro Stadium. Two matches are scheduled for tomorrow, Ngezi Platinum are up against FC Platinum at Baobab Stadium while Border Strikers entertain fellow new boys Mutare City Rovers at their home away from home venue Maglas Stadium in Zvishavane.

Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixtures

Today: Bulawayo City v Highlanders (Barbourfields Stadium), Dynamos v Caps United (Rufaro Stadium)

Tomorrow: Ngezi Platinum v FC Platinum (Baobab Stadium), Border Strikers v Mutare City Rovers (Maglas Stadium).