Innocent KuriraTHE Highlanders interim gaffer fronted Thursday’s pre-match press conference but dodged all questions on the club’s transfer dealings and the rumoured arrival of Dutchman, Hendrick De Jongh as head coach.With the mid-season transfer window slamming shut yesterday, Bosso’s camp remained tight-lipped, refusing to confirm or deny reports that De Jongh is set to take over the reins at Emagumeni.“I refer all related questions to the club’s administration,” Ncube said flatly, cutting off any further speculation. Also present was outgoing club spokesperson Nozibelo Maphosa, who said the acting CEO had been scheduled to speak but was called away for an emergency. It was left to Ncube to handle questions, but he kept the focus strictly on the pitch.All eyes now turn to Sunday, when Highlanders host fifth-placed Ngezi Platinum at Barbourfields Stadium, in a match that could have serious implications at both ends of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table.Bosso are languishing just four points above the relegation zone and need a positive result to avoid being dragged deeper into the scrap for survival.Team news remain mixed.
Captain Andrew Mbeba is definitely out, while Hubert Ncube, Mvelo Khoza and Darlington Mukuli will all face late fitness tests.“We have been working on our attacking combinations. We’re creating chances, but our conversion rate has been poor,” said Ncube. “We are hopeful that this weekend, things will go right.”He also addressed the recent departure of promising youngster Mafious Chiweta to Scottland FC, assuring fans that the technical team would find a suitable replacement.“For now, I won’t speak on Chiweta.
He plays for another team now. But we are confident of plugging that gap.” Ncube was bullish when asked about the clash with the platinum miners.“It’s an even playing ground. We are Highlanders and we are playing at home.
We know what is expected of us. We will play for the badge and push for a result. We urge our fans to come in their numbers.
They are our 12th man and we need them.”With Bosso’s survival hanging in the balance and a new coach possibly waiting in the wings, all eyes will be on Barbourfields this weekend.Castle Lager Premier Soccer League FixturesSaturday TelOne v Manica Diamonds (Ascot Stadium) Simba Bhora v Chicken Inn (Wadzanayi) Dynamos v MWOS (Rufaro Stadium) ZPC Kariba v GreenFuel (Nyamhunga Stadium) FC Platinum v Scottland (Mandava Stadium) Yadah v Triangle United (Heart Stadium)Sunday Herentals v Kwekwe United (Rufaro Stadium) Bikita Minerals v CAPS United (Gibbo Stadium) Highlanders v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Barbourfields Stadium)Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave
Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald
Source: Herald
