HIGHLANDERS and Tsholotsho FC have all to play for when they clash in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Barbourfields Stadium on Saturday.

Bosso will be seeking for a win to remain in contention for their first title in 10 years, while Tsholostho are desperate to move away from the second relegation slot.

Highlanders are second on the league table with 53 points from 27 games and need to win Saturday’s encounter at all costs to keep pressure on leaders CAPS United, who face Harare City at Rufaro Stadium at the same time.

CAPS United lead the league table with 54 points.

Bosso also go into Saturday’s match hoping to stretch their winning streak in the league to eight consecutive victories.

Coach Erol Akbay is wary of Tsholotsho and emphasised on the need to collect maximum points.

“We’ve got a tricky weekend game in the sense that Tsholotsho are fighting for survival and will want to make life difficult for us.

“We’re also looking at winning the championship, which requires us to win all our remaining three games. What I want is for my boys to play good football which will get us maximum points,” said Akbay.

Highlanders are likely to play this encounter without defender Peter Muduhwa, as they are “resting” him for the FC Platinum game in Zvishavane the following weekend.

Akbay said he is in a dilemma whether to leave Muduhwa, who is one yellow card away from being suspended or field him.

“I’m confused whether to leave Peter out for this game because I need him more for the FC Platinum game and at the same time we also need his services for the Tsholotsho game.

“It’s a tricky situation and we will make a decision after friday’s training. If we decide to leave him out, I know we’ve got equally good cover in defence,” said Akbay.

Muduhwa has formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Tendai Ndlovu and should the coach decide to rest him for Saturday’s game, Captain Felix Chindungwe will be thrown into the fray.

Tsholotsho coach Lizwe Sweswe said they will not be cowed by Highlanders as they want to survive relegation.

He is confident his players will rise to the occasion and match Bosso in every department on the pitch.

“We’re going for maximum points. We’re not under any pressure and I feel they’re the ones who are feeling the heat.

“We’re coming to enjoy our game and what I know is that its matches like these that my players like to shine.

“Such matches against strong opposition where we’ve been counted out are the ones that give us strength.

“If they think they are going to cruise past us, then they’re mistaken because I know my players will rise to the occasion and will want to make a name for themselves from such a game,” Sweswe said.

Meanwhile, How Mine and Chicken Inn clash in a Bulawayo derby at Luveve Stadium on Sunday, while Bulawayo City will be home to ZPC Kariba at Barbourfields Stadium.