A derby worth to watch: How Mine take on Highlanders

IT has become the norm in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League for "small" teams to rise up to the occasion when they are playing the country's big three teams, Highlanders, Dynamos and Caps United, as they feel the only way to announce their presence is to "embarrass" their "big brothers".

The same might be the case today when How Mine fancy their chances of dominance over former champions Highlanders in league games after achieving a double over the league runners-up last year.

Ironically, it was Chikurupati's first year in the big boys club, as they announced their presence with victories over Bosso at Barbourfields Stadium, where today's match will be played.

However, How Mine are by no means a small team, unless if support base is the measure being used, as they have within their ranks veterans of many struggles on the pitch.

They have former national team goalkeeper Ephraim Mazarura, former Highlanders' skipper Gilbert Banda, Nyasha Mukumbi, former Dynamos player George Magariro, Mernard Mupera who has turned out for Black Rhinos, FC Platinum and Highlanders and former Masvingo United and DeMbare striker Wonder Sithole.

Chikurupati, as How Mine are affectionately known, also boasts of having the league's top gunman Kuda Musharu, who has eight goals to his credit so far, Edmore "Digo" Muzanenhamo, a Highlanders reject, Benjamin Marere, ex-Highlanders attacking midfielder Heritein Masuku, James Chitereki, Xolani "Scara'' Moyo and Thembani "Smaller" Masuku.

After losing to Caps United last weekend the gold miners will be eager to get their championship hopes back on track with a win over Bosso.

The club will, however, be missing head coach, Philani "Beefy" Ncube who is attending a Caf A coaching course in Harare and in his absence assistant coach, Simba Rusike will steer How Mine's ship as they navigate through Highlanders at Barbourfields.

Last year How Mine won 1-0 and 2-1 but lost their Mbada Cup meeting with Bosso 3-0.

Rusike said they will not be looking at history as it is a new game.

"For us it is just like any other game and we will not be changing our approach but we can't go into the match thinking about the past as it is a new battle and we need to focus and get maximum points.

"We might be coming from a loss but we are not thinking about it, our minds are on tomorrow's (today) game and our minds are wholly focused on it. I don't think we will be eager to win because of our previous loss but rather we need to get the full set of points," he said.

The former Highlanders captain said they are looking towards playing a good game against Bosso and the players were self-motivated to perform well.

"The good thing about derbies is that it is up to the players to step up and deliver because of the bragging rights involved and the players are motivated to win," said Rusike, adding they had no injury worries in their camp.

After putting a superb comeback performance against Rhinos at Barbourfields last Sunday, Bosso will be hoping to continue where they left off and get their first league victory off the gold miners.

Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Bosso turned on the power in the second half, winning the match 3-1 with a brace from Charles Sibanda and another goal, from Gabriel Nyoni.

The 2006 league champions will be hoping to carry on with the same fighting spirit and go back to pole position overtaking CAPS United, 2-1 winners over Chicken Inn yesterday.

Highlanders, who have been coming second to Dynamos for the past two seasons, are aware competition is tight at the top and they cannot manage to drop any points, with only four points separating the top seven teams.

Highlanders coach, Kelvin Kaindu will be banking on another inspiring performance for the team to earn their first set of maximum points against Chikurupati.

He said a fighting spirit can see them through the derby.

Despite losing three of their top players, Kuda Mahachi, Milton Ncube and Peter "Rio" Moyo, Bosso have shown they have enough depth to continue with their good performance.

Lanky forward Sibanda, endowed with sublime touches, is expected to lead Highlanders attack and increase his goal tally, Joel Ngodzo had a sprightly performance against Rhinos and he could also cause trouble for How Mine this afternoon.

Mthulisi Maphosa could be thrown into the fray after recovering from an injury that has confined him to the sidelines for the better part of Highlanders' first half campaign.

Fixtures
Today: How Mine v Highlanders (Barbourfields, 3 pm SuperSport), Shabanie Mine v Buffaloes (Maglas), Dynamos v Black Rhinos (National Sports Stadium).
Tomorrow: Bantu Rovers v Triangle United (Luveve).