Fungai Muderere
HIGHLANDERS will welcome the fit again duo of Godfrey Makaruse and Never Rauzhi when they take their act to Rufaro Stadium for the highly-anticipated Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) second leg encounter against seemingly rejuvenated CAPS United.
Makaruse and Rauzhi have been in the treatment room for some time and their bouncing back comes at a time midfield enforcer Melikhaya Ncube is available for duty after sitting it out when Bosso lost 2-1 to Herentals College in their previous league encounter art home.
Christened the Battle of the Cities, the football menu comes after a week-long Fifa international break that saw the Warriors engage in back-to-back matches against Kenya and Cameroon in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification Group J matches that were played at Uganda’s Nelson Mandela National Stadium in a space of four days.
Bosso defender Andrew Mbeba and the fitness trainer Abraham Mbayiwa were part of the Warriors travelling contingent.
Speaking ahead of their away match against Makepekepe, Highlanders head coach Kelvin Kaindu said the one-week break worked to their advantage.
“In terms of our preparations for the coming game against CAPS United after having a break for one week because of the Fifa calendar, it gave us a slight advantage in terms of our players that were injured. We have Makaruse (Godfrey) and Never (Rauzhi) that will feel are almost getting to the level of fitness with everyone.
“They have been doing full training with everybody. Despite the two coming back, we also have Melikhaya (Ncube) who was out due to suspension. It gives that dimension in midfield. It gives advantage in terms of team selection because in our last game I think we did not have a selection, we picked everyone who was training because we had 22 players that were training,” said Kaindu.
However, the Zambian gaffer and his lieutenants will again be forced to tamper with their backline due to the unavailability of their new centre back Arthur Ndlovu, who has accumulated three yellow cards.
Also out will be the gifted duo of Archford Faira, Malvin Sibanda, young Prince Ndlovu and goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi who are all in Bosso’s casualty ward.
In the first leg encounter between the two teams that was played in April at Barbourfields Stadium, Bosso emerged victorious on a 2-0 scoreline courtesy of first half goals by Mbeba and McKinnon Mushore.
Makepekepe boast of a number of seasoned players that include captain Godknows Murwira, Rodwell Chinyengetere, William Manondo and ex-Bosso player Bruce Kangwa among others.
Murwirwa was also with senior national team in Uganda.
In other, Week 26 fixtures Chicken Inn take on Yadah Stars at Luveve Stadium 24 hours after Arenel Movers would have played against Greenfuel at the same venue. Pacesetters Simba Bhora face a TelOne test at Gweru’s Ascot Stadium.
Chegutu Pirates will fight it out against Thulani “Thuts” Sibanda coached Bulawayo Chiefs at Baobab Stadium. The match between defending champions, Ngezi Platinum Stars and Dynamos has been postponed.
PSL Week 26
Tomorrow: FC Platinum v Manica Diamonds (Mandava Stadium), Arenel Movers v Greenfuel (Luveve Stadium)
Sunday: CAPS United v Highlanders (Rufaro), Bikita Minerals v ZPC Kariba (Sakubva), Herentals v Hwange (Rufaro), Chicken Inn v Yadah (Luveve) Chegutu Pirates v Bulawayo Chiefs (Baobab Stadium) TelOne v Simba Bhora (Ascot Stadium.