Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira [email protected]
HIGHLANDERS coach Benjani Mwaruwari remains a doubt for today’s derby against Chicken Inn at Barbourfields Stadium, with a decision on his availability expected closer to kick-off.
Mwaruwari was hospitalised on Sunday and missed Highlanders’ Chibuku Super Cup first-round clash against Chicken Inn, which Bosso won 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw.
The Highlanders coach was discharged later that day and returned to training on Monday and yesterday, although he continued to take things easy while his assistants, Mkhokheli Dube and Bekithemba Ndlovu, oversaw the sessions.
Acting Highlanders chairman Kindman Ndlovu said the club was encouraged by Mwaruwari’s recovery and, equally importantly, by the team’s return to training ahead of another demanding derby encounter.
“We are happy that the team is training and the coach is recovering well. That is very important for us going into this game,” said Ndlovu.
While Ndlovu could not be drawn into the club’s plans regarding the settlement of the players’ outstanding salaries, he appealed to the Highlanders faithful to rally behind the team in what promises to be another tough contest against their city rivals.
The players went into Sunday’s cup tie without training after refusing to take part in preparations over salary arrears. They had received US$250 each against a demand for US$500, but still honoured the fixture and produced a determined performance to eliminate Chicken Inn from the competition.
The club has since indicated that the two upcoming home matches against Chicken Inn today and Herentals on Sunday could help generate funds towards addressing the outstanding two months’ salaries.
For Ndlovu, however, the immediate focus is ensuring the team receives the backing it needs from the terraces. “We know it is midweek and people have their commitments, but this is a derby and we need our 12th man.
“It is not easy to beat the same team again after such a short space of time, so the supporters will be very important for us,” he said.
His message is likely to resonate with a Bosso fan base that watched its team overcome a turbulent build-up to Sunday’s cup clash before holding its nerve in the penalty shoot-out.
Today’s match presents Highlanders with another opportunity to build on that resilience, although Chicken Inn will be equally determined to respond after their cup disappointment.
The Gamecocks were competitive throughout Sunday’s encounter but were unable to find a way past goalkeeper Aaron “Arusha” Ngwenya before missing three penalties in the shoot-out.
For Bosso, the challenge now is to reproduce that fighting spirit while coping with the demands of facing the same opponents again just three days later.
Ndlovu believes support from the stands could prove decisive.
“It is a derby and these games are never easy. But with the players working and the coach recovering, we are looking forward to the game.
“We just need our supporters to come and give the boys that extra push,” he said.
The message from the Highlanders leadership is one of cautious optimism. Despite the challenges of the past week, the team has returned to training, Mwaruwari continues to recover and Bosso have another opportunity to make home advantage count.
Having already secured victory in the Chibuku Super Cup encounter, Highlanders will now be hoping to complete a memorable derby double and give their supporters another reason to celebrate at Barbourfields Stadium.
