Innocent Kurira in BULAWAYO
CHICKEN INN FC coach Prince Matore believes there are no favourites when they face Highlanders in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie at Barbourfields on Sunday.
Speaking ahead of the game, Matore said the hungrier side will win the game.
“They are high riding and on top of the log so it’s going to be a tough match,” he said.
“Even tougher because they are coming from a defeat.
“The hungrier side will win.
“These boys know each other well. They have relationships off the pitch so the game itself is self-motivating.
“It’s an opportunity for the players to just express themselves more than what the coaches would have planned.”
He added:
“It’s a big match, the city’s bragging rights are at stake.
“Barbourfields Stadium will be full and our players (don’t have) to put themselves under pressure.
“They need to calm their nerves.
“We also need to play our normal game.”
The Gamecocks will bank on the services of their captain Xolani Ndlovu, Mpumelelo Bhebhe, Michael Charamba, Richard Hachiro, Shepherd Mhlanga, Malvin Hwata, Genius Mutungamiri and Tafadzwa Kutinyu.
Mhlanga has just returned from injury after missing their last outing against Cranborne Bullets.
Brian Muza’s involvement on Sunday is subject to him passing a late fitness test.
It’s the same case with Bosso midfielder Devine Mhindirira, who is being closely monitored by the team’s medical team.
One of Bosso coach Baltemer Brito’s trusted lieutenants, McKinnon Mushore, is suspended for the tie.
Bosso lost their last game against champions FC Platinum.
It was their first loss in the league this season.
Their character will be tested this week and, if they can bounce back and win this one, they would have shown they have the pedigree to be champions.