Big boost for Bosso

HIGHLANDERS' coach Kelvin Kaindu is a relieved man ahead of the epic clash against defending champions Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow after three key players who had suffered knocks recovered to take part in full training yesterday.

There were fears that skipper and defensive pillar Innocent Mapuranga, midfield maestro Mthulisi Maphosa and speed merchant  Gabriel Nyoni would not be available for selection due to injuries.

A Chronicle Sport crew had a brief glimpse of Highlanders' closed training session at Bulawayo's ceremonial home of soccer Emagumeni and morale looked high with the players giving their best.

It is the way that the players have been conducting themselves during the week that makes Kaindu believe they are ready to face the defending champions and his preparations for the game were yesterday boosted by the availability of the three players.

"It's all systems go for us and everybody is looking forward to the game. Morale has been very high and I am pleased with the way the players have been committing themselves during our sessions.

"Everyone wants to be in the team and my hopes are that they (players) can carry the same attitude to the game on Sunday. I am really enjoying the level of commitment and the desire to be in the final squad that these players are giving and unfortunately as coaches we cannot take everyone to the game but I am confident that whoever comes in will do a great job.

"We thank God that the guys that had knocks looked much better during our session and it's healthy for us to know that they are available for selection and we will see who to use on Sunday," said Kaindu.

The only player who has been ruled out for the match dubbed "The Battle of the Titans" is Bruce Tshuma who is on suspension after accumulating three yellow cards. Despite the development, Tshuma trained with the rest of the squad.

Of late, it has been difficult to predict Highlanders' starting line-up with Kaindu preferring to rotate his players.

Some of the players that will probably be in Kaindu's final 18 include eccentric goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya, Mapuranga, versatile Eric Mudzingwa, Dumisani Ndlovu, Bosso's evergreen Bruce Kangwa, Njabulo Ncube who seems to have rediscovered his scoring touch, Maphosa and Milton Ncube.

The Bulawayo giants will be out to break their jinx over Dynamos whom they last beat in a league match in 2006. Beside the jinx, Bosso will also be hoping to collect maximum points so that they consolidate their lead at the top of the Premiership standings.

Highlanders could go into tomorrow's game second on the table in the event that third placed Harare City who are tied on 45 points with Dynamos beat army side Buffaloes this afternoon in the capital.

Unconfirmed reports last night were that Dynamos are already in Bulawayo with some people who called the Chronicle newsroom saying they saw DeMbare players shopping at a leading retail outlet in the city centre.

Repeated efforts to get confirmation from Dynamos' camp were fruitless as the Harare giants are keeping a tight lid on their preparations.

Highlanders should be cautious of DeMbare as they also have good players in the form of inspirational captain Murape Murape, Tawanda Muparati, Ocean Mushure and defensive rock Patson Jaure.

Fans that will go early for "The Battle of the Titans" will be able to watch upcoming stars from both sides as Highlanders' Under-19 squad will clash with their Dynamos counterparts in the main curtain raiser that will kickoff at 11:30am.

Fixtures
Today: FC Platinum v Shabanie Mine (Mandava, SS9), Motor Action v Black Rhinos (Motor Action), CAPS United v How Mine (National Sports Stadium), Harare City v Buffaloes (Rufaro), Tripple B v Triangle (Dulibadzimu)
Tomorrow: Hwange v Black Mambas (Colliery), Highlanders v Dynamos (Barbourfields, SS9), Monomotapa v Chicken Inn (Gwanzura)