Injury-hit Bosso in Triangle test

HIGHLANDERS FC march into Gibbo Stadium this afternoon where they face Triangle United knowing they have to leave with nothing but victory if they are to salvage their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign.

The Bulawayo-side will have to hand goal scoring duties to other infield players as their strikers have been found wanting in as many matches having scored only two goals in six matches.

Bosso were handed a "shock" defeat by Mutare City on Thursday at Barbourfields Stadium and coach, Erol Akbay needs nothing but victory that might keep them within inches of the top two sides, FC Platinum and Caps United.

Bosso's strike force has been toothless since the departure of Bruce Kangwa and Knox Mutizwa, a duo that had established a lethal combination upfront together with youngster, Prince Dube.

Mid-season returnee Nhlanhla Ndlovu and Dube have both been dogged by injuries while another striker striker, Kasimero Chimbadzwa is finding the kitchen too hot for him. Chimbadzwa has been thrown into the fray on a number of occasions but has failed to justify his presence.

Akbay, who revealed injuries had become their worst enemy, said they will have to turn to winger Gabriel Nyoni, veteran Ralph Matema and teenager, Adrian Silla who usually plays in midfield for their striking options.

"Every match is a must win now because we would not want to let Caps and FC Platinum get a huge gap ahead of us. Coming from two consecutive defeats, we need to get our campaign back on track.

"There is no easy match going into the second half of the season and particularly when playing away like we are doing now," said Akbay.

Akbay was given a target of a top four finish although Bosso became pacesetters in the first half of the season creating huge expectations from their fans who are itching to have the championship trophy land at Barbourfields after a decade.

Triangle United coach David Mandigora predicted a tough match but said they have to recover from their recent poor performances that saw them lose their last match against Chapungu and drawing the previous two games.

The former Dynamos gaffer said they would not read too much into Highlanders' woes and would instead focus on ensuring they played a good game.

"It is a must-win for us because we haven't been playing well of late and we are not posting the results that we want. We are under pressure to win and we would be hard-pressed to deliver a victory.

"Yes, Highlanders might have their problems but they are a big side and one of the favourites and I think they can recover from their poor form, I believe we just have to be well prepared for them," said Mandigora.