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Masimba Mambare

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
ARMY side Buffaloes have been dealt a big blow ahead of their Mbada Diamonds Cup quarter-final clash with Highlanders as they are set to go into battle without their leading scorer Jacob Muzokomba who has been ruled out through injury.
Coach Timothy Masachi said Muzokomba, who is among the leading scorers in the league with nine goals, failed to recover from an ankle injury he picked up in their last league game against Highlanders.

The Buffaloes mentor will now have to juggle his options with hopes now pinned on Steven Sibanda, another successful striker this season with nine goals to his name.

Masachi yesterday admitted they will miss Muzokomba but remained defiant that Bosso will not have it easy even without one of his most trusted lieutenants.

“I think it’s a blow because he is one of the best performers in the league. But we have some capable replacements whom I think will welcome this opportunity with both hands,” said Masachi.

Buffaloes will enter the quarter-finals of the Mbada Diamonds Cup as rank outsiders after accounting for police outfit Black Mambas in the first round.

They needed a penalty shootout, though, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at Rimuka after Steven Sibanda’s goal was cancelled out by Mambas’ Innocent Nyoni.

The army side’s captain Prosper Matizanadzo reckons they have a bigger fish to fry when facing a giant in the mould of Highlanders at this stage of the tournament.

“Highlanders have a bigger profile compared to us but if you look at what is at stake, there is great motivation for everyone. We are well prepared for this game and I think the lucky team will win.

“It’s going to be more of a money game, where we will only focus on getting a positive result. So it will be crucial for us to concentrate the whole 90 minutes.

“Everyone should fight from start to finish because to me, it appears we have 50-50 chance.
“Highlanders are dangerous at Barbourfields but this match will be on neutral ground. We hope to make the most of our chances at Mucheke.

“On the bigger picture, the aim is to make the City of Mutare proud by bringing home the Mbada Diamonds Cup. We badly need it just like any other team but first things first.

“The focus now is on winning against Highlanders and reaching the semi-finals. We will see what happens from there,” said Matizanadzo.
Highlanders midfielder Masimba Mambare yesterday sounded cautious following last week’s scare at Sakubva, where they needed a last gasp equaliser to come out with a point against the same side.

Mambare yesterday said Bosso will double their efforts in their quest to make a mark in this tournament.
“It’s a bit tricky because we just played these guys. They know our strengths and weaknesses and we also know theirs.
“So it will be more of a tactical game,” said Mambare.

Highlanders have not gone past the quarter-final stage since the tournament started in 2011.
They were booted out by Zimbabwe Saints in the inaugural edition and last year, they surrendered a two-goal lead to lose to Monomotapa at the quarter-finals.

“We have always done well but things just could not fall into place. We still have the same determination and the guys are focused.
“Everyone wants to lay their hands on the Mbada Diamonds Cup but now our attention is on Buffaloes,” said Mambare.

Bosso have been boosted by the recruitment of lively forward, Gabriel Nyoni, who was virtually unplayable in the first half of their classic 3-2 win over a battling Triangle at Barbourfields in the first round.
Mbada Diamonds quarter-final fixtures:
Today:
Caps United v Chicken Inn (Ascot, SS9), Harare City v Hwange (Dulibadzimu)
Sunday:
Dynamos v How Mine (Rufaro), Highlanders v Buffaloes (Mucheke, SS9)