Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
HIGHLANDERS coach Benjani Mwaruwari believes the ability to turn draws into victories and improve their scoring output are among the biggest lessons his team must take from the 2026 Premier Soccer League campaign into next season.
As Bosso prepare to welcome TelOne to Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow for their final home assignment of a historic centenary year, the coach has offered an honest assessment of areas that need improvement if the Bulawayo giants are to mount a stronger challenge next season.
Perhaps nothing captures Highlanders’ struggles this campaign better than their draw record.
After 32 league matches, Bosso have registered 17 stalemates, the highest number by any team in the division.
They have managed nine victories and suffered six defeats, leaving them eighth on 44 points.
It is a record that raises an interesting question about what might have been had Highlanders been more decisive in matches where they settled for a share of the spoils.
Had they converted even eight of those draws into victories, they would have collected an additional 16 points, taking their tally to 60. Turning nine stalemates into wins would have earned them 18 more points and lifted them to 62.
Based on the present standings, either scenario would have placed them third, transforming their league campaign from a mid-table finish into a genuine top-three challenge.
It is the kind of missed opportunity that Benjani wants the club to learn from as it looks towards another season.
“We wanted to win our last game against Hunters, but we ended up drawing, which was our problem this season. Next season we need to improve on the draws and in terms of scoring,” said Benjani.
The scoring concern is equally revealing. Highlanders have found the net just 27 times in 32 league matches, an average of less than a goal per game.
For a club with ambitions of challenging for honours, that return highlights the need for greater efficiency in the attacking department.
While their defensive record has generally kept them competitive, scoring has not always matched their efforts, leaving them with too many matches in which they have failed to collect maximum points.
Benjani’s comments suggest that the technical team will have plenty to reflect on when the season comes to an end, particularly in identifying how the team can become more productive in front of goal.
However, the coach is not allowing the frustrations of the league campaign to take away from the immediate assignment.
Sunday’s encounter against TelOne is Highlanders’ final home match of the season and comes at a special time for the institution, which is celebrating 100 years of existence.
For the black-and-white faithful, it will be the last opportunity this year to gather at Barbourfields and celebrate their club’s remarkable journey. Highlanders have appealed to their supporters to turn out in numbers and give the team a memorable send-off at Emagumeni.
“It’s been a journey filled with passion, pride and unwavering support. Now, let’s come out in our numbers, fill the stands and make our final home appearance one to remember,” said the club in a statement.
The occasion will carry its own significance, but Benjani wants his players to approach the match with a competitive mindset, especially with a Chibuku Super Cup final still to come.
For Highlanders, the knockout competition offers an opportunity to end their centenary season with silverware and give the celebrations a fitting footballing climax.
The coach wants his charges to use the TelOne encounter to build the confidence and momentum required for that final assignment.
“My wish is that we go into the TelOne game flat out as we build momentum for the Chibuku final,” he said.
That makes Sunday’s match important beyond the league standings. It is an opportunity to give supporters a positive final home memory of the centenary year while ensuring the team remains focused on the bigger prize.
