Online Reporter
Zimpaers Sports Hub
There is a growing feeling within the Highlanders Football Club ecosystem that something important is slowly taking shape under coach Benjani Mwaruwari.
And perhaps more significantly for Bosso, even those investing financially into the club are beginning to see signs that their faith may finally be paying off.
Jabulani Nkomo, the curator overseeing funds donated to the Premiership club by businessman Wicknell Chivayo, says the donor is encouraged by the direction the team is taking under Mwaruwari.
Bosso have played 13 matches, winning three, drawing nine and losing only once — a statistic that paints a picture of a side difficult to beat but still learning how to consistently turn performances into victories.
While some supporters have jokingly labelled Highlanders “the draw specialists” after another goalless stalemate against Ngezi Platinum Stars at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday, others believe the bigger picture suggests a team steadily building towards something stronger.
Nkomo is among those urging patience.
“We are going in the right direction. From the first games I saw, I realised there was a different style and approach and you could tell results were going to come at some point. Everyone could see something good is brewing.
“Benjani has been beaten once in 13 games and the trajectory is positive. Supporters have been supportive and filling up the stadium. Even when we are drawing, we are enjoying the football. Benjani and his technical team must keep doing what they know best.”
Nkomo added that philanthropist Chivayo, who pledged to pay salaries for Mwarurwari and donated a luxury bus, cars to the club board chairman, executive chairman and chief executive officer, in addition to a US$1 million donation to the club which is being released in tranches, strongly believed the club needed to trust local expertise instead of constantly looking outside for solutions.
“The donor is happy with Benjani. At first, some even within the club leadership doubted him, but the donor said we must give him a chance. He has experience. How many coaches have we imported, and they failed to deliver? We must all support Benjani. He is doing well,” he said.
Nkomo also stressed that sponsors and benefactors should not be taken for granted, especially during a period where securing financial support for football clubs has become increasingly difficult.
“Sir Chivayo does not go back on his word. He promised to release another batch of US$500 000 and that money will definitely come, but let us make sure that our house is in order. It is not good to hear stories about internal fights among the leadership,” said Nkomo.
In addition, he urged Bosso supporters to avoid singing songs that insult or denigrate individuals who are financially assisting the club.
“We love our team and we love our supporters. They are the most vocal and passionate supporters under the sun. But we urge them not to abuse those who assist the team financially or by other means. It’s hard to find sponsors or donors these days and when the club gets them, as supporters we have to play our part and continue supporting our team, but not sing songs that denigrate them. It’s not good at all.”
After the draw against Ngezi Platinum, Mwaruwari also pleaded with supporters to remain patient as the team continues to gel after limited preseason preparations.
“I’m trying my best with my technical team. We still have many matches before the end of the season and a lot can happen. Hopefully, the situation will change for the better,” he said after the Sunday game.
