Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub HIGHLANDERS are wounded, watchful and hungry. After stumbling to a 2-1 away defeat against ZPC Kariba, the Bulawayo giants return to their fortress, Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon, seeking redemption. But it won’t be an easy task, they are up against Herentals College, a side that’s proving difficult to read and even harder to break down. Bosso head coach, Kelvin Kaindu, knows his team must deliver, especially in front of their ever-passionate black and white faithfuls. “We want to maintain what we have been doing. We also want to maintain our home record and keep up the momentum of scoring almost in every game,” said Kaindu. “I think it’s going to be another difficult match for us. It’s unfortunate that we have not watched them (Herentals College). We are looking forward to redeeming ourselves. This is a team that we failed to beat last season. We blew away a two nil lead away, and they beat us 1-0 here at home. They’ve been consistent since last season. Their energy levels are very high. We’ll go there and fight. They come stronger in the second half.” Highlanders have collected 18 points from 13 matches and can ill afford to drop more if they are to mount a serious title charge, especially with the club’s centenary celebrations looming next year. Kaindu was cagey about his game plan. “We cannot disclose our game plan. This is difficult to tell you. We just hope our tactics and our plan go according to what we are putting on the ground. We hope that we get it right.” Bosso will turn to the energetic Mushore brothers, Mason and McKinnon, along with the attacking spark of Never Rauzhi, Brighton “MaNinja” Ncube and Reason Sibanda. The midfield steel will be provided by the towering Andrew Mbeba, Arthur Ndlovu and Melikhaya Ncube. However, the Highlanders camp will once again be without their ever-reliable skipper Ariel “Mangoye” Sibanda, who is still nursing an injury. Reward Muza is tipped to stand between the posts ahead of the dreadlocked, Raphael Pitisi. Defender, Talent Dube is also sidelined after picking up a knock. Herentals, meanwhile, arrive in Bulawayo buoyed by their 1-0 victory over reigning champions, Ngezi Platinum Stars, at Baobab Stadium. They sit one point above Bosso on the table and are unbeaten in their last three matches, having also dispatched Triangle United and drawn with former Cup Kings, CAPS United. The Students, known for their relentless energy and tactical discipline, will be eyeing another upset and their youthful exuberance will test the tactical nous and physical endurance of the home side. TODAY’S CASTLE LAGER PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE FIXTURES Triangle United vs Manica Diamonds (Gibbo Stadium) CAPS United vs Simba Bhora (Rufaro Stadium) Highlanders vs Herentals College (Barbourfields Stadium) — @FungaiMuderere