HARARE – Football giants Highlanders look to atone for their surprise defeat to FC Platinum on Saturday when they take on city rivals Chicken Inn in the headline fixture of the Castle Lager Match Day 21 premiership clashes at Barbourfields on Sunday.
The league leaders who tasted defeat for the first time in the current campaign last week approach the derby separated by a yawning 11 points with the former champions, who occupy fifth position on the premiership table.
The two teams played to a goalless in the reverse fixture.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Highlanders coach Baltemar Brito said last week’s defeat is now water under the bridge with focus now on the next assignment.
“So the preparations for the Chicken Inn FC game come after a defeat. It was not a stable week. We are not cry-babies.
“We missed some training sessions owing to the elections, but we knew we were playing FC Platinum and we needed to be ready.
“We came back sad, but it was expected because they are a good team.
“We don’t lose motivation going into the next game. We will try to bring back the consistency that saw us unbeaten in 19 games,” said the Portuguese mentor.
In other Match Day 21 clashes lined up for the weekend, inconsistent Bulawayo Chiefs host FC Platinum at Luveve while Dynamos travel to Nyamhunga as they continue their resurgence under interim coach Genesis Mangombe.
Also to look forward to is the clash between Herentals and second-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars on Saturday.
Fallen giants Caps United have a reason to salvage something this time when they take on basement side Black Rhinos.
FULL LEAGUE FIXTURES
SATURDAY
Bulawayo Chiefs vs FC Platinum
Sheesham vs Hwange
Simba Bhora vs Yadah
Cranborne Bullets vs Dynamos
Herentals College vs Ngezi Platinum Stars
Manica Diamonds vs Green Fuel
SUNDAY
Highlanders vs Chicken Inn
Triangle United vs ZPC Kariba
CAPS United vs Black Rhinos
