Zimpapers Logo

MARK MATHE

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS face another acid test when they take on bitter rivals Dynamos in the Gushungo Victory Cup this Sunday hoping to end the dominance by their rivals at the National Sports Stadium.

Bosso finished fifth in the championship race and a win on Sunday will see them having something to smile about after missing the league title again this year.

The Bulawayo giants have, in the past eight years, been playing second fiddle to DeMbare.

However, this weekend they have the opportunity to redeem themselves.

Caretaker coach Mark Mathe says they need to work on the mental strength of their players if they are to turn the tables on Dynamos.

“We have been talking to our players, it’s all about mental strength. We lose to Dynamos because of lack of mental strength,” said Mathe.

“We play well against Dynamos but lose at the end of the day because we don’t have mental strength.

“And Dynamos can play badly against us and still come out with a result.”

Mathe said they need to win Sunday’s game to restore some confidence in their fans.

“What I can say is we are preparing well, like we do for the other games, but we are also taking into cognisance that this is a very important Cup, honouring our President,” said Mathe.

“We are taking our preparations seriously but at the end of the day it’s a football match.

“It’s a Cup game, a one-off thing, so there is every reason for our players to be serious and try to win the Cup because there is also a monetary reward but what is important is we are playing Dynamos.

“We have always come second best against them, and disappointed our fans, so we are trying to give them a good Christmas present.

“The players should play for pride, and for the supporters, who have been disappointed over the years.

“But playing the champions, Dynamos, it’s not going to be easy. We know what to expect, the figures are out there for all to see, we have been playing second fiddle but they shouldn’t be complacent and underrate us.”

Highlanders will be missing Eric Mudzingwa, Webster Chingodza, Njabulo Ncube and Rahman Kutsanzira due to injuries.

Winners for the Cup will get $45 000, while the runners-up will pocket $35 000.