Highlanders head coach Mandla Mpofu says Sunday’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against Dynamos will be “tricky”.
Bosso hosts DeMbare at Barbourfields Stadium today, with Mpofu of the belief that victory for Highlanders will be a turning point this season. Said Mpofu:
We are getting into this game against Dynamos as underdogs, looking at the winning streak that Dynamos has so far — nine games unbeaten.
So, it’s going to be a tricky one, but I hope everyone will be 100 per cent ready for the battle come Sunday (today).
We really know how it feels to beat Dynamos and this could be our turning point going forward.
Highlanders have changed coaches 10 times since 2012 but have failed to win the premier league title since 2006.
Kelvin Kaindu, Bongani Mafu, Elroy Akbay, Madinda Ndlovu, Pieter De Jongh, Mark Harrison and Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu (with two spells) have all been in charge at Highlanders in the last decade.
Mark Mathe and Amin Soma-Phiri have also been in charge, although on an interim basis in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
Highlanders have 16 points from 13 matches, while their rivals Dynamos sit on top of the log with 30 points, two clear of second-placed Chicken Inn and five ahead of 2019 champions FC Platinum.
Highlanders fans have demanded the coach’s sacking and Mpofu said that he understands their feelings. He said:
These things happen, it’s life, it’s football. I can understand their (fans) feelings and they are within their rights.
If the team is not posting good results, they are bound to do that, but I think I need to channel all my energy into preparation and make sure that we get the three points.
But the feelings of the fans must be appreciated …
We need to understand that this is a pressure industry, but I guess I will look at the positives. Let me appreciate the effort being put in by my players.