double blow Bosso in stars headache ahead of Triangle clash

Fungai Muderere [email protected]

HIGHLANDERS have been handed a double blow ahead of their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Week 28 clash with Triangle United at Gibbo Stadium on Saturday, with influential players Kudakwashe “Nkembe” Mahachi and Mongameli Tshuma ruled out through suspension.

The two Bosso stars are among 10 players who will miss Matchday 28 after accumulating enough disciplinary points to trigger suspensions, according to the league suspension list released yesterday by the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Their absence comes at an awkward time for Highlanders, who face a tricky away assignment against a Triangle United side that will be eager to make home advantage count.

Mahachi and Tshuma have both been important figures in Bosso’s attacking play, bringing pace, creativity and the ability to unsettle opposition defences.

Mahachi, in particular, offers valuable experience and attacking flair, while Tshuma has provided another option in the final third.

With the pair unavailable, coach Benjani Mwaruwari will have to reshuffle his combinations as Highlanders look to return from Gibbo Stadium with maximum points.

The timing of the suspensions makes the setback even more significant, with the PSL season entering a stage where every point could have a major bearing on the league table.

Bosso, however, will not want the absence of two key players to become an excuse.

Instead, it could provide an opportunity for members of Mwaruwari’s squad who have been waiting patiently for their chance to step into the spotlight.

Players such as captain Darlington Munkuli, Andrew Mbeba, Rainsome Pavari, Isaac Ngoma, Benjamin Oluwarotimi and Aaron “Arusha” Ngwenya will be expected to shoulder greater responsibility as Highlanders seek to compensate for the loss of Mahachi and Tshuma.

In their last league fixture against Herentals College which they won 2-0 at Barbourfields Stadium , Bosso were without the services of Munkuli and their imposing Nigerian striker Oluwarotimi also due suspension.

Triangle, meanwhile, will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing a Highlanders side without two of its attacking weapons.

Playing at Gibbo Stadium, the hosts will be keen to exploit any weaknesses created by Bosso’s enforced changes and claim valuable points of their own.

The suspension list also includes Dynamos’ Abel Gwatidzo, Manica Diamonds’ Charles Teguru, Triangle United’s Aaron Mackie Dzanai, Scottland’s Mthokozisi Msebe, FC Hunters’ Tadiwanashe Huni and Vusumuzi Ngwenya, Hardrock’s Munashe Bamala and TelOne’s Johannes Mabwe.

But the biggest concern for Highlanders will undoubtedly be how they cope with the loss of the Mahachi and Tshuma combination.

The pair’s absence leaves Mwaruwari with a selection headache, but it also presents an opportunity for the rest of the squad to prove that Bosso’s strength does not depend on two players.

Highlanders will therefore have to find a way to maintain their attacking threat despite the double setback.

For Triangle, the challenge is simple, make Bosso’s problems count.

For Highlanders, it is about showing character, adapting quickly and ensuring that the suspensions of Mahachi and Tshuma do not derail their campaign. Come Saturday, the Bosso faithful will be hoping that whoever gets the nod to replace the suspended duo can step up and deliver.

Meanwhile Scottland and FC Platinum played a goalless draw at Rufaro Stadium in a Castle Lager Premiership tie yesterday. — @FungaiMuderere.