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EAGER FOR SUCCESS . . . Errol Akbay is determined to land his first piece of silverware with Bosso

Tedious Manyepo Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS coach Erol Akbay is confident his charges will win the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Trophy when they play ZDF Select in the final set for the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.

The Bulawayo giants have lost in two cup finals this season and Akbay has demanded total concentration from his club if they are to finally land a trophy.

Bosso lost to CAPS United in the Commander Zimbabwe National Army Charities Shield in March before playing the bridesmaid’s role again in the Independence Cup against Dynamos in April.

And with the league championship race proving too hot for the 2006 champions, the Dutch mentor has reiterated the need for his side to bag the Defence Forces Cup.

“We are ready for the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Cup final against ZDF Select. With all due respect to our opponents, I also think my team has a better chance of winning the trophy.

“The game is obviously going to be tough considering that we will be playing against the best players in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces but, we have to win.

“We have already lost two final matches which we have played this season, so there is need for us to correct that. Tomorrow’s (today) match is a must win and I am going to play my best players.

“Remember the match is being used as part of the ZDF Day celebrations and we need to enjoy ourselves which should be complimented by a win,” he said.

Highlanders used their fringe players in a 2-0 Heroes Day win over Dynamos at Rufaro yesterday with their senior team watching from the terraces.

The ZDF Select side which is being coached by Black Rhinos mentor Stanford “Stix” Mtizwa, has drawn nine players each from Premiership sides Black Rhinos and Chapungu with Warriors goalkeeper Herbert Rusawo and the ageless Brighton Chandisaita headlining the list.

Team manager Special Matarirano said his team should have the edge over Highlanders as they have picked the best from the top-flight teams.

“In as much as we know that Highlanders is a big team and very dangerous when playing in a cup final, we are also very much confident that our team will win the trophy.

“We have one big advantage over Highlanders as we have picked the best players from both Chapungu and Black Rhinos.

“The fact that we will have those players like Rusawo (Herbert) along with the likes of Brighton Chandisaita and Philip Marufu obviously gives the team an edge over our opponents.

“The players are motivated and they are eager to win the ZDF Cup,” said Matarirano.

Winners of the match will walk away $9 000 richer with the losers getting $7 000.

The match is being held as part of the ZDF Day commemorations.