Bosso gaffer cautious NEW BOY . . . William Stima, the latest recruit at FC Platinum, is unveiled by the club after he was secured from Tsholotsho
NEW BOY . . . William Stima, the latest recruit at FC Platinum, is unveiled by the club after he was secured from Tsholotsho

NEW BOY . . . William Stima, the latest recruit at FC Platinum, is unveiled by the club after he was secured from Tsholotsho

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS coach Erol Akbay says the Bulawayo giants are bracing for a fierce backlash when they face old rivals CAPS United in the Battle of the Cities at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow.

The big match starts at 4pm.

Bosso won the first leg 1-0 at Barbourfields two weeks ago, but the Dutch coach has opted to be cautious ahead of the trip to Harare.

Highlanders need maximum points to shore up their campaign in the championship race after falling two points behind leaders FC Platinum following a goalless draw against Triangle on Wednesday.

Akbay yesterday said Makepekepe should not be taken lightly.

“Obviously, we expect a tough game, but we are prepared for it. We beat them recently and they would surely want to revenge for that loss.

“CAPS United are a very good team and they have been doing well in their games this season.

“They are playing at home this time, but we will do our best to get maximum points from that game. This time we will need to fight more for possession,” said Akbay.

The Bulawayo giants have already won on their last visit to the capital after beating Dynamos 2-0 at Rufaro, their first league victory over their bitter rivals in 10 years.

Bruce Kangwa scored the only goal in the first match between Bosso and Makepekepe, but the Warriors utility man will not be available for Highlanders as he has set sights on joining Tanzanian side Azam.

CAPS United will also be without midfielder Cabby Kamhapa who has joined long-term casualty Crispen Machisi on the side- lines.

Veteran forward Leonard Tsipa will also miss the match after he was shown a red card in the first meeting following a rush of blood which saw him head-butt an opponent.

However, youthful midfielder Kudzai Nyamufukudza, who has been one of their best players, believes the Harare giants will get their revenge tomorrow.

“I think we are prepared well for this game.

“We want to work even harder compared to last time. In fact, we are much geared up for the second round games because that’s when the title is won.

“So Highlanders should expect something different,” said Nyamupfukudza.

CAPS United are third in the race with 29 points while Highlanders are second with 31.

Log leaders FC Platinum, who have 33 points in the bag, have a tricky away date with Bulawayo City at Barbourfields this afternoon.

Mapeza’s men need a victory to cement their place at the top.

Fixtures

Today: How Mine v Border Strikers, (Luveve), ZPC Kariba v Dynamos (Nyamhunga), Bulawayo City v FC Platinum (Barbourfields), Mutare City Rovers v Chapungu (Sakubva)

Sunday: Hwange v Tsholotsho FC (Colliery), Chicken Inn v Harare City (Luveve), Triangle v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Gibbo), Caps United v Highlanders (National Sports Stadium, 4pm)

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