HARARE - Struggling Blue Rangers believe they have what it takes to finally end Highlanders’ unbeaten run when the two sides clash this afternoon in the Mbada Diamonds Cup at Barbourfields Stadium.

Rangers’ outspoken coach Partson Ndabambi believes Zimbabwe’s richest knockout competition has the right incentives to spur on the so-called small sides to victory.

“I am very confident that their unbeaten record will go up in smoke against us; we are determined to boot them out of the Mbada Diamonds Cup,” said Ndabambi.

“The immediate incentives that are there will spur us on.

“Due to our club’s precarious financial position, it has not been possible to pay players winning bonuses the few times we have won.

“The fact that Mbada will promptly pay appearance fees on match day will give us an advantage.

“For Bosso, it is normal business because they get paid winning bonuses all the time but for us it is a big deal.”

The former Kiglon and Shooting Stars coach concedes that beating the Bulawayo giants won’t be a walk in the park.

“Obviously, considering our position on the log, we are the underdogs. Highalanders have avoided defeat in 21 games and that says a lot about their quality.

“But cup games are a different ball game. My team just has to refer to last year’s Mbada Cup for inspiration. Zimbabwe Saints, Kiglon and Shooting Stars, who got relegated last season, all did well. Saints reached the semis whilst Kiglon and Shooting Stars made the quarterfinals.”

Rangers, who drew 1-1 with Monomotapa last weekend, are hoping to cash in on Bosso’s frustration at going two points adrift of log leaders Dynamos after their goalless draw with neighbours Chicken Inn on Wednesday.

“They are obviously not happy to have fallen two points behind and hopefully that will make them less focussed. But there could also be a backlash but I am sure we will have what it takes to prevail.”

Elsewhere, CAPS United, who beat Hardbody 2-1 midweek to register their first win since Taurai Mangwiro took over as coach, take on losing finalists Motor Action at Trojan Stadium in Bindura.

Makepekepe, who were bundled out of last year’s edition by eventual winners Dynamos, will obviously be keen to avoid falling at the first hurdle once again.

New boys Harare City will make their debut in the Mbada tournament this afternoon against FC Platinum at Nyamhunga Stadium in Kariba.

FIXTURES

Today: Highlanders v Blue Rangers (Barbourfields), Monomotapa v Hardbody (Dulibadzimu), CAPS United v Motor Action (Trojan), FC Platinum v Harare City (Nyamhunga)

Tomorrow: Dynamos v Quelaton (Rufaro), Chicken Inn v Gunners (Pelandaba), Buffaloes v Black Mambas (Sakubva),  Shabanie Mine v Hwange (Maglas)