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AMIN Soma-Phiri believes the Chibuku Super Cup semi-final against CAPS United has presented Bosso with a chance to redeem themselves in a season blighted by industrial action.
Highlanders will clash with the Green Machine at Rufaro on Sunday.
Soma-Phiri, who top scored in the 1988 Chibuku Trophy tournament with five goals, two more than runner-up Charles “Chola” Chirwa of Dynamos.
He said the tournament presents both CAPS United and Highlanders with a realistic chance of salvaging some pride.
“Here is a chance for the boys to have some Christmas money for themselves, a chance to win a trophy for the club and have a medal to take home,” said Soma-Phiri.
He was a member of the 1984-1994 Bosso generation that won two league championships.
He admitted that 2026 had not been an easy season for Highlanders despite celebrating its centenary. “It was a hard year with all what was happening at the club.
“But this is the time to put that at the back of the boys’ minds and focus on the challenge at hand, which is facing CAPS United in the Chibuku Super Cup.
“The boys have to win it to save their season,” said Soma-Phiri. He challenged the boys to play for the badge and their own careers.
“This is the time to make a statement and only the boys can make the difference now but this calls for psychological preparedness and other necessary things being in place for the boys to perform at their best.
“But games such as this one are self-motivating and demanding that each player puts in the shift for better results,” said Soma-Phiri.
He played alongside some of the best players to don the Highlanders jersey who include the legendary Madinda Ndlovu, Peter Ndlovu, Dumisani Nyoni, Tito Paketh, Peter Nkomo, Tanny Banda, Abraham Madondo, the late Adam Ndlovu, Nqobizitha Maenzanise, Rahman Gumbo, Titus Majola, David Phiri, Mercedes Sibanda and Willard Khumalo.
“The fact that Highlanders lost home and away to CAPS United, in the league race, means nothing.
“This is a game to fight for, a game to bring to an end CAPS United’s dominance of Highlanders in 2026.
“It is up to the boys to trot onto Rufaro Stadium highly motivated, ind, knowing what the game means,” said Soma-Phiri.
He reminded the boys that the club is celebrating 100 years of existence. He said it would be nice if the boys ended the year with a piece of silverware.
“The year 2026 was a special one and Highlanders need to win something to add to the festive spirit among supporters and members who have been celebrating a milestone. “Winning this tournament would serenade the celebrations and take that to Christmas.”
