Highlanders will begin their ZNA Charities Shield defence this afternoon when they face FC Platinum at Luveve Stadium.

Highlanders have been busy in the last few weeks making three key additions to their squad but signing Rodreck Mutuma , Manuel Esono Obiang Buale and Tambwe Kalunga.

However both Buale and Kalunhga will have to wait a bit longer to play for Highlanders as their work permits are yet to come out.

However Highlanders fans are likely get another chance to see for Dynamos striker Mutuma in action with Akbay almost certain to start him.

Speaking ahead of the match Akbay admitted he was looking forward to the match. ‘It is a difficult but exciting match, we hope to defend our cup, we are ready for the match he told Sunday News.

‘I think Platinum have a strong good team that makes it two good teams who want to play football, it makes it more exciting added Akbay.

FC Platinum has strengthened as well in pre-season adding Brett Amidu, Gift Mbweti, Talent Chawapihwa and Agrippa Murimba to their squad and roping in Lizwe Sweswe into the technical team.

The winner will meet CAPS United in the final of the tournament. Eventual winners of the final will pocket USD$12 000 and the runners up will pocket USD $8000.

The Zimbabwe National Army is hoping to ultimately raise an amount in the region of USD$100 000 from the matches and that the proceeds would go to the five charitable organisations run by the ZNA.