Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THEY have stood by Highlanders through soaring highs and painful lows and, on Sunday, Benjani Mwaruwari wants the Bosso faithful to do it again.
This time, he has one simple request.
Stay with us for the full 90 minutes.
As Bosso prepare for a mouth-watering Castle Lager Premiership showdown against champions Scottland at Barbourfields, Benjani has called on the black-and-white army to turn Emagumeni into a fortress.
He wants them to back his players from the first whistle to the last.
The timing of the appeal could not be more significant. Scottland arrive in Bulawayo carrying one of the most impressive records in Zimbabwean football.
Norman Mapeza’s side have gone nine league matches without conceding a goal, building their title charge on an iron-clad defence marshalled by experienced campaigners Peter Muduhwa and Kevin Moyo.
Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat add quality to the team.
But Benjani believes Highlanders have what it takes to bring that remarkable run to an end if the supporters play their part.
“We all know Scottland is a good team and they have quality everywhere.
“Coming back to us, we have been playing well but failing to turn the performances into victories.
“We hope to do better on Sunday.
“Our supporters are very passionate and on Sunday they must come in their numbers like they always do to rally behind the team.
“Football is played for 90 minutes and we expect them to support the team for 90 minutes.”
It is a plea that reflects the unity Benjani is trying to build at Highlanders.
Despite drawing a league-high 13 matches this season, Bosso’s performances have improved in recent weeks, with the team becoming harder to beat and showing encouraging signs under the former Warriors captain.
The missing ingredient has been turning dominance into victories.
Sunday offers the perfect opportunity to change that.
There is no bigger test than taking on the league leaders and there would be no sweeter way of announcing Highlanders’ resurgence than becoming the first team in 10 league matches to breach Scottland’s stubborn defence.
Barbourfields has witnessed countless famous afternoons, many inspired by a passionate sea of black-and white that has often lifted the team when the odds seemed stacked against them.
Benjani is hoping history repeats itself.
The fixture also comes after Highlanders members gather for an Extraordinary General Meeting earlier in the day, meaning emotions will already be running high before attention shifts from the boardroom to the battlefield.
Once the gates of Barbourfields open, however, governance issues will be put aside for 90 minutes.
The focus will be on one mission, stopping the log leaders.
Matchday 23 Fixtures
Tomorrow: Bulawayo Chiefs v FC Platinum (Luveve), TelOne v ZPC Kariba (Ascot), FC Hunters v Chicken Inn (Heart), MWOS v Agama (Ngoni Stadium), Manica Diamonds v CAPS United (Sakubva)
Sunday: Hardrock v Triangle (Chahwanda), Highlanders v Scottland (Barbourfields) Dynamos v Simba Bhora (Rufaro)
