The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
SAKUBVA-BORN midfielder, Pasca Manhanga, whose recent return to his hometown to play for Manica Diamonds has come with a vastly improved performance, says his winless former club, Highlanders will be in for a rude awakening when the two teams clash in a potentially explosive Castle Lager Premier League encounter at Sakubva Stadium on Sunday.
The rescheduled encounter which could not be played last weekend after both teams had Covid-19 positive cases in their camps will see the cheapest ticket going for US$3.
The match starts at 3pm.
Highlanders, who are yet to collect maximum points this season, are a big brand in Zimbabwean football and Manhanga thinks playing against the Bulawayo giants is in itself a source of motivation to perform better.
Manhanga said they have respect for Highlanders, but they do certainly not fear the Bulawayo giants.
“We are all aware that Highlanders are a big team and that only is a source of motivation to play better. Everyone wants to be seen to be playing well each time a team plays against a highly regarded outfit like Highlanders.
“The same applies to us. We really want to take the game to our opponents and ensure we get the much-needed three points at the end of the encounter.
“We know it will not be an easy encounter given that they (Highlanders) also want to get maximum points. They are not coming all the way to Mutare for fun.
“They mean business. They want the three points, but we will not make it easy for them. We have so much respect for Highlanders, but one thing for sure is that we do not fear them,” said the diminutive midfielder who once turned out for the Bulawayo giants for almost half a season.
Manica Diamonds have had a perfect start to the Castle Lager Premier League season after winning their opening match against hapless Whawha 4-0 at Sakubva Stadium, before dismissing Bulawayo City 2-1 at Luveve Stadium away in the City of Kings and Queens.
This makes the match against Highlanders a true test of character for the Mutare top-flight league side and one they need to win to keep alive their hopes of an impressive finish at the end of the season.
On the other hand, Bosso, in the two matches they have played so far in the 2021/2022 season, have lost away to Black Rhinos 2-0 in the season opening round of league matches before settling for goalless stalemate against Ngezi Platinum FC at home at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.
Thus, Highlanders will naturally be expected to exhibit the hunger to get maximum points and place their aspirations for the league championship on the rails.
