Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira-Zimpapers Sports Hub
BENJANI MWARUWARI’s message ahead of his first official assignment as Highlanders coach was loud and clear . . . the former Manchester City man wants a blistering start to Bosso’s 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign.
Mwaruwari’s men face city rivals Bulawayo Chiefs in a derby tie at Barbourfields on Sunday and the short and crisp message from the new Highlanders coach was: “Let’s start the season with a bang.”
The Bosso coach wants to hit the ground running as he seeks to become the first man to provide the championship to the storied institution, 20 years after their last success under club legend Methembe Ndlvu.
Mwaruwari is also aware that clubs like Highlanders rely heavily on the 12th man and he did not hide his desire for the Bosso fans to help his side in their quest for honours.
On his maiden appearance on the Highlanders dugout, albeit for a charitable cause, Mwaruwari oversaw a 1-0 win over old enemies Dynamos in a Jairos Jiri Charity Cup tie at Barbourfields.
Yesterday, Mwaruwari faced the media at the Highlanders Club House and shared his thoughts on Sunday’s derby.
“Playing at Barbourfields is electrifying. If we start well, we play well. Let’s hope we start with a bang.
“I know the fans will like that energy, and they will also give us the energy we need,’’ Mwaruwari said.
“For now, we can talk and talk, but it’s about making sure the players do the job on the pitch.
“Everything has gone well. It is pleasing as a coach to see a team willing to fight hard. Playing against Bulawayo Chiefs is a local derby, and that talks for itself.
“I have been talking to the boys so they understand what is at stake.
“My emphasis to them is that this game is very important for them and the entire Highlanders family. Three points will be great for everyone. “We went to Botswana for team building, and we achieved that,” he said.
For Bulawayo Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino, Sunday is less about proving a point.
Having engineered the club’s return to the top-flight, the widely travelled coach now faces the next challenge, establishing stability and competitiveness at this level.
Across the technical area will stand Mwaruwari, a former international star who commands significant attention.
But Nyikadzino’s journey is built on method rather than glamour, steady rebuilding, discipline and structure.
Derbies may ignite emotion in the stands, but on the touchline, the Chiefs coach is betting on composure. Highlanders’ technical bench is rich with Bosso DNA.
Club greats Mkhokheli Dube and Bekithemba Ndlovu have joined Mwaruwari as his assistants with Malvern Moyo handling goalkeepers while former striker Zenzo Moyo came in as team manager.
It is a set-up steeped in club culture, designed to steady the team in high-pressure moments such as these. But Chiefs arrive with their own story. They have brought in 12 new signings to bolster their squad.
Experienced defender Elvis Moyo headlines the arrivals, alongside striker Brian Muza, winger Washington Mapuwa and several additions aimed at strengthening key areas.
For Highlanders supporters, optimism has been building since the Charity Cup win.
But the reality check begins on Sunday.
For Chiefs, belief comes from a revamped squad eager to make an immediate statement.
Fixtures:
Today: FC Hunters v MWOS (Rufaro)
Tomorrow: Herentals v Chicken Inn (Rufaro), Ngezi Platinum v FC Platinum (Boobab), Triangle v ZPC Kariba (Gibbo), Telone v Dynamos (Ascot)
Sunday: CAPS United v Agama (Rufaro), Manica Diamonds v Simba Bhora (Gibbo), Hardrock v Scottland (Chahwanda), Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs (Barbourfields)
