Milton Mashasha Sports Reporter in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
The Highlanders FC coach Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu is under immense pressure to deliver and record their first sets of points as they face the Gweru based minors Hwahwa FC in their premier soccer league fixture matchday 4 at Barbourfields stadium this afternoon in Bulawayo.
The oldest football club in the land Highlanders, the Bulawayo giants lost their opening match to the Army side Black Rhinos away in Harare.They were then held to a draw at home in their second match by Ngezi Platinum Stars.Highlanders went on to lose their third match away in Mutare against the current leaders Manica Diamonds who are yet to lose a match so far amassing 9 points with Highlanders trailing by 8 points.Matches were then suspended due to the rise of the Covid 19 virus in the Country and Globally attracting stringent conditions and measures in the sporting activities.
As Highlanders gang up at their usual hunting ground Barbourfields stadium eMagumeni,they are immensely under intense heat to get maximum points in front of their hard to please supporters in today’s encounter.They are seriously in need of an outright win nothing else.They would want to bring back enthusiasm, confidence and self belief in the team,players and the technical staff as they go forward.
Ironically, during the pandemic standoff more than a month long covid 19 induced lay off,clubs managed to beef up their squads during the January transfer window.Highlanders had set their sights on certain targets to strengthen their squad but alas they failed to acquire them due to certain aspects.Their màin targets were lured by other clubs with better lucrative offers flexing their financial muscle on the transfer market.Highlanders only managed to bring Stanley Ngala and returnee Rahman Kuntsanzira both from FC Platinum as well as the young enterprising goalkeeper from Telone.
The former FC Platinum forward Ngala will be expected to give more fire power upfront where the likes of Lennox Chikuhwa,Navaya,Toto Banda are failing to put chances into goals.Their strike force look very blunt,goal shy and wasteful.Ngala will be given the task and load to carry the team in search for the goals to end the goal dry spell.
In today’s match,Highlanders are likely to sail past the visitors Hwahwa FC considering their home advantage,experience and status of club as they face the minors(Hwahwa).
Meanwhile, in matches that were played yesterday,FC Platinum and Dynamos played a goalless draw at Mandaba stadium in Zvishavane,Whilst at Luveve,in a local derby,Chicken Inn came victors 2-1 against the ambitious side Bulawayo Chiefs whereas Yadah and Black Rhinos shared the spoils in a nil all draw in Harare.
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