Benjani wants a positive start for Highlanders

BENJANI Mwaruwari’s message ahead of his first official assignment when Highlanders face Bulawayo Chiefs on Sunday was clear: “Let’s start the season with a bang.”

The Bosso coach wants to hit the ground running in his league campaign and did not hide that he will need the support of Highlanders fans to achieve that goal. His last visit to Barbourfields Stadium ended in jubilation when Bosso beat Dynamos one-nil in the Jairos Jiri Charity Cup, and he expects a similar outcome this Sunday.

Mwaruwari faced the media yesterday at the Highlanders Clubhouse and shared his thoughts on the upcoming derby.

“Playing at Barbourfields Stadium 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. For now, we can talk and talk, but it’s about making sure the players do the job on the pitch,” he said.

“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 speaks 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,” said Mwaruwari.

“We went to Botswana for team building, and we achieved that,” he said.

For coach John Nyikadzino, Sunday is less about proving a point. Having engineered the club’s return to the top flight, he 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.
For Highlanders supporters, optimism has been building since the Charity Cup win. For Chiefs, belief comes from a revamped squad eager to make an immediate statement.
Friday

FC Hunters v Mwos (Rufaro Stadium)
Saturday
Herentals v Chicken Inn (Rufaro Stadium)
Ngezi Platinum v FC Platinum (Boobab)
Triangle v ZPC Kariba (Gibbo)
Telone v Dynamos (Ascot Stadium)
Sunday
Caps United v Agama (Rufaro Stadium)
Manica Diamonds v Simba Bhora (Gibbo Stadium)
Hardrock v Scottland (Chahwanda Stadium)
Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs (Barbourfields Stadium)