Clive Thabo Dube
Sports Reporter
TWO of the most followed teams in Bulawayo will collide this weekend as Highlanders FC and Bulawayo Chiefs take it to the battlefield in an intense Bulawayo derby at Barbourfields Stadium.
Struggling Highlanders FC find themselves in yet another tough fixture on Sunday afternoon as they face off with in-form Ninjas in what promises to be one of the biggest derby matches in Bulawayo. Bosso who return to action having accumulated five points from five games, will be aiming for maximum points to ease the pressure on the team’s technical staff.
Following the string of draws, Amahlolanyama’s fans furry is growing day by day and are wondering when will the Black and White army get back to their winning ways and remain title contenders.
The Bulawayo giants’ lack of goals continues to be a concern on and off the field. Despite enjoying the unbeaten run and sitting on second position in the standings with 19 points, this coming Sunday (June 4), Brito’s side surely have to bring in their A game against their local rivals.
The Ninjas on the other hand have had turnaround form in their previous fixtures, having three wins and two draws in their last five games. And Lizwe Sweswe’s charges will hope to continue with their fight to avoid the relegation zone.
A match against the country’s oldest club will surely determine what the Ninjas are capable of.
The chasm between the two sides is unquestionable but a win over Umantengwane will further help Amakhosi’s fine form continue rather than dissipate.
For the hosts, in what will be a hotly contested game against Bulawayo Chiefs who knocked them out in the Chibuku Super Cup tournament last season, their mantle will be tested as they seek to respond to finally end the winless streak.
Baltermore Brito said the clash against Amakhosi Amahle coming weekend won’t be taken lightly.
“Another derby, another week of work. We are working on bringing back our identity, our strength. We are hoping our identity, our way of playing will bring back the goals.” Said Brito.
“If we worry about numbers, these kind of statistics, then it means we didn’t accept the challenge of Highlanders because before we came here the club was on 14th position.
“If we look at the stats, it was a team which had a big problem on the away games so, these kind of numbers do not give any worry to us. And it was a team that in the last ten years or more, was on the top of the league, never. So this is not a number that can give worry to us because if we were to worry about the number, we didn’t accept the challenge. The challenge to us is working day by day, keep trying, helping the boys improve. Do not lose our identity, create a DNA of victories in the club and now it looks like everyone is worried about the five draws and not scoring goals. But if we look to the past of Highlanders, we should be proud of what these boys are doing.” He added.
The meeting between the two Bulawayo sides is a keenly anticipated fixture, with both side’s performance looking uneven and both teams will be looking to come up on top and walk away with the bragging rights.
Highlanders’ neighboring foe are currently having a season of their life. Demonstrating their top flight league growth since Lizwe Sweswe sat on the bench.
Meanwhile behind Bosso’s poor performance lies a not so clinical attacking front line, as they continue failing to find that winning goal, giving away precious points.
Buoyed by the loyal fans, playing at home will have its advantages but a lose will no doubt sting the Portuguese coach.