League preview

ACTION resumes in week 10 of the 2014 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) with log leaders Highlanders seeking to consolidate their position at the top of the log against unpredictable FC Platinum in a crunch tie at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
Exactly a week after the senior men’s national soccer team, the Warriors’ painful elimination from the 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifiers by Tanzania, soccer fans, who are still smarting the embarrassing defeat, will turn their focus to the Premier League to soothe their anguish.
Highlanders star midfielders Kuda Mahachi and Peter Moyo have been ruled out of the match through injury.
The duo missed the Warriors’ shock elimination at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday through injury.
The Kelvin Kaindu coached Bulawayo giants go into the match on the back of a 3-1 humbling of struggling Buffaloes at Sakubva Stadium a fortnight ago.
Highlanders are expected to steamroll past their Lloyd Mutasa coached opponents who for all their riches lie a lowly ninth on the log after a false start to the season.
Struggling Bantu Rovers and surprise package and draw specialists ZPC Kariba kickstart this round of fixtures with a match at Luveve Stadium today.
The match will be screened live on Supersport 9.
ZPC Kariba who have drawn six of their last matches come into this match on the back of a controversial 2-all draw with How Mine.
On the other hand, Bantu Rovers lost their last match against inconsistent Harare giants CAPS United.
Tomorrow, How Mine take on disappointing Harare City at Luveve Stadium in another match that will be screened live on Supersport 9.
How Mine are unbeaten in seven matches while City notched only their second victory in a season they have been woefully poor.
City will look to build on their impressive 3-1 mauling of fellow strugglers Black Rhinos and move out of the dreaded drop zone they find themselves in.
In another potentially explosive fixture, CAPS United take on Chapungu FC at Ascot Stadium tomorrow.
CAPS United will miss the services of Ronald Pfumbidzayi through suspension.
A clash of army sides is in the offing at Rimuka Stadium when Rhinos take on Buffaloes.
Both sides suffered identical 3-1 thumping defeats in their last matches.
Bottom side Chiredzi FC take on second placed Hwange to round off tomorrow’s fixtures at Chishamiso Stadium.
Moses Chunga’s side have been poor and Hwange look set to bag maximum points.
Reports this week indicated that the Chiredzi-based side have been rocked by serious infighting with Chunga accused of looting money collected from their home match against giants Dynamos.
On Sunday De Mbare take on lowly rated Traingle FC.
The Calisto Pasuwa-coached side will miss the services of midfield hardman Stephen Alimenda who is on suspension after accumulating three yellow cards, while several key players like captain Tawanda Muparati, new signing Masimba Mambare and defender Sydney Linyama have been ruled out through injury.
Exciting midfielder Tafadzwa Rusike is also a doubtful starter after picking a knock during a friendly match against the Warriors last week.
Sixth-placed Shabanie Mine take on another Bulawayo side, Chicken Inn in the last fixture of this round at Maglas Stadium.
Suspended players for Week 10 after accumulating three yellow cards:
Ronald Pfumbidzayi (Caps United)
Steven Alimenda (Dynamos)
Simon Choenda (Buffaloes)

Today: Bantu Rovers v ZPC Kariba (Luveve Stadium), SS9
Saturday: How Mine v Harare City (Luveve Stadium) SS9
Chapungu FC v Caps United (Ascot Stadium)
Black Rhinos v Buffaloes FC (Rimuka Stadium)
Chiredzi FC v Hwange (Chishamiso Stadium)
Sunday: Highlanders v FC Platinum (Barboufields Stadium) SS9
Dynamos FC v Triangle (National Sports Stadium)
Shabanie Mine v Chicken Inn (Maglas Stadium)