Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
HIGHLANDERS coach Benjani Mwaruwari says his side would relish the opportunity to secure successive Castle Lager Premier Soccer League victories but has warned that TelOne’s difficult situation makes them dangerous opponents ahead of their clash this weekend.
Bosso head into the encounter buoyed by an impressive run of form that has transformed the mood around the club, with Mwaruwari’s men collecting 11 points from a possible 15 in their last five league outings.
Telone are bottom of the log with only one win from 15 games. They have drawn five and lost nine.
The black-and-white army have steadily gathered momentum under the former Warriors captain.
A victory over TelOne would hand Highlanders back-to-back wins and further strengthen their growing credentials as genuine contenders, but Mwaruwari is refusing to look beyond what he expects to be a tough assignment.
“We would love to get back-to-back wins but it will not be easy. Our opponents have been struggling. Playing a team in their situation is difficult,” said Mwaruwari.
“I think we need to go there with a positive mind. We must not get carried away and we need to stay humble and make sure we get those two wins in a row.”
The Highlanders coach believes struggling teams often become dangerous because they are desperate for points and can produce performances that do not necessarily reflect their position on the table.
His cautious approach reflects the mentality that has helped Bosso become one of the most difficult teams to beat in recent weeks.
Nicknamed “The Undertaker”, Mwaruwari has gradually stamped his authority on the team. Highlanders have shown improved organisation, discipline and resilience, qualities that have seen them concede just one goal in their last five league matches.
While Bosso will welcome back captain Darlington Mukuli and experienced midfielder Kudakwashe Mahachi from suspension, they will be without influential defender Nomore Chinyerere, who is suspended.
Chinyerere has been one of Highlanders’ standout performers this season, but Mwaruwari believes his absence presents an opportunity for others to step forward.
“No doubt Chinyerere has done well for us this season but since he is not available it’s a chance for other players to prove themselves. That is the competition I need in the team,” he said.
The return of Mukuli and Mahachi should nevertheless provide a significant boost for Bosso as they seek to maintain their upward trajectory.
The statistics underline Highlanders’ resurgence. Eleven points from five matches represents title-challenging form, while their defensive record has become the foundation of their recent success.
For a club that demands results and attractive football in equal measure, confidence is beginning to return among the Bosso faithful. However, Mwaruwari has consistently stressed the importance of consistency and collective effort, and his latest comments suggest there will be no room for complacency against TelOne.
Highlanders may enter the match as favourites, but their coach knows that another victory will have to be earned the hard way.
Week 16 PSL Fixtures
Friday
FC Hunters vs Bulawayo Chiefs FC (Heart Stadium)
Saturday
Agama FC vs Chicken Inn (Wadzanayi Stadium), Ngezi Platinum Stars vs MWOS FC ( Baobab Stadium), TelOne FC vs Highlanders (Ascot Stadium), Herentals College vs Scotland FC ( Rufaro Stadium)
Sunday
CAPS United vs ZPC Kariba ( Rufaro Stadium), Triangle United vs FC Platinum (Gibbo Stadium), Manica Diamonds vs Dynamos (Sakubva Stadium), Hardrock vs Simba Bhora (Chahwanda Stadium)
