Melikhaya to miss FCP clash
HIGHLANDERS will be without holding midfielder Melikhaya Ncube for their crunch tie against former champions FC Platinum at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
The midfielder will be serving a suspension for accumulating three yellow cards.
Premier Soccer League communications officer Kudzayi Bare confirmed the Bosso setback.
“Ncube has accumulated three yellow cards and will not be available for the next match.”
The midfielder has been one of the standout players for Highlanders this season and already has two goals to his name.
His absence means Bosso will have to make changes to their midfield with either Gillian Nyathi or Mason Mushore likely to fill in that role.
It will also be interesting to see if captain Ariel Sibanda will return to his place in goal after Raphael Pitisi has managed to keep two clean sheets in the absence of Sibanda who is still recovering from injury.
The former TelOne goalkeeper, Pitisi, has given a good account of himself in the absence of Sibanda winning over some of the Bosso faithful with his composure, agility, and ball distribution skills.
Highlanders prefer building their play from the back and Pitisi seems to suit the style perfectly.
Bosso sit top of the table with 19 points, the same as Manica Diamonds who they enjoy a superior goal difference over.
Highlanders will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways against FC Platinum after they were frustrated with a nil-all draw by Arenel last Sunday.
Last season, FC Platinum finished in fourth position and are blowing hot and cold this season.
The Zvishavane side appear to have done some good business on the market but are still to work out their combinations. They brought in Mbongeni Ndlovu and Brighton Manhire from Highlanders.
They also managed to get the signature of Herentals midfielder Davison Marowa.
To reinforce their midfield, they roped in Shepherd Mhlanga from Chicken Inn.
They replaced goalkeeper Petros Mhari with David Bizabani who spent last season on GreenFuel’s books.
In other matches set for this weekend, a potentially explosive encounter is set for Wadzanayi Stadium as Simba Bhora will host defending champions Ngezi Platinum on Saturday.
On the same day, CAPS United will face Yadah at the Heart Stadium. Manica Diamonds will date Bikita Minerals at Sakubva Stadium on Sunday.