Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
AFTER the electric atmosphere that engulfed Barbourfields Stadium during last weekend’s Battle of Zimbabwe against Dynamos, Highlanders shift their attention to another important assignment when they face MWOS FC at Ngoni Stadium in Norton today in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Matchday 20 encounter.
The Bulawayo giants head into the match with renewed optimism. While the 1-1 draw against their old rivals may not have delivered the victory Bosso supporters were craving, the performance showed a team that is steadily finding its rhythm under Coach Benjani Mwaruwari. Off the field, there was further encouragement after the club reportedly received part of its outstanding dues following the blockbuster fixture, a development that is expected to lift morale in the camp.
With the season entering a crucial phase, Highlanders know they cannot afford to drop too many points if they want to remain within touching distance of the leading teams. However, they face a stern challenge against an MWOS side that has built a reputation for being difficult to beat at home.
Mwaruwari has overseen noticeable improvement in the team’s performances in recent weeks. Highlanders have lost just once in their last 10 matches, recording five wins and four draws during that period. While the results suggest a team moving in the right direction, the former Zimbabwe international believes there is still plenty of work to be done, particularly in attack.
The Highlanders coach has identified goal scoring as the key area his team must improve if they are to turn solid performances into consistent victories.
“We need to find more firepower. For us to win games, it means we need goals, so this is an area that we have to work on as we go on with the league’s fixtures schedule,” said Mwaruwari.
The Bosso faithful are expected to once again play a significant role. Last weekend’s clash against Dynamos attracted a massive crowd to Barbourfields, creating the kind of atmosphere for which Highlanders supporters are renowned. Vice-captain Andrew Mbeba has urged fans to travel to Norton in their numbers and provide the same backing as the team seeks an important three points on the road.
Elsewhere, Chicken Inn return to Luveve Stadium looking to build on the confidence gained from their impressive 2-1 away victory over Triangle United, a result that finally ended a frustrating six-match winless run.
The Gamecocks will be delighted to be back at Luveve Stadium, which recently reopened after repairs were completed on the damaged perimeter fence. Having rediscovered the winning touch, Chicken Inn will be eager to make home advantage count when they host ambitious newcomers Hardrock FC.
Hardrock, coached by experienced gaffer Kelvin Kaindu, will arrive in Bulawayo fully aware of the challenge that awaits them. Nevertheless, they will fancy their chances of causing an upset and adding another impressive away result to their growing reputation.
Bulawayo Chiefs will also be in action this weekend as they travel to Harare for a date with Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium tomorrow. Chiefs go into the match in good spirits following their convincing 2-0 victory over Agama FC. However, Amakhosi Amahle will have to cope without influential midfielder Kelly Shiyandindi.
For Dynamos, the fixture comes against a backdrop of off-field uncertainty following the suspension of head coach Genesis Mangombe. The Glamour Boys will be hoping to put those distractions aside and focus on securing maximum points against a Chiefs side capable of troubling any opponent on their day.
At Mandava Stadium, former champions FC Platinum will seek to continue their climb up the standings when they host FC Hunters. CAPS United, meanwhile, welcome struggling Triangle United to Rufaro Stadium in a fixture the Harare giants will view as an opportunity to collect valuable points.
In other matches scheduled for the weekend, defending champions Simba Bhora entertain TelOne at Wadzanayi Stadium, while ZPC Kariba host Ngezi Platinum Stars at Nyamhunga Stadium.
With the championship race, the battle for top-four positions and the fight to avoid relegation all beginning to intensify, another action-packed weekend of Castle Lager Premier Soccer League football promises plenty of drama across the country. For Highlanders, however, the focus is firmly on Norton, where victory against MWOS FC would provide further proof that Mwaruwari’s rebuilding project is gathering momentum.
PSL Matchday 20 Fixtures
Saturday: Simba Bhora vs TelOne (Wadzanayi Stadium), Chicken Inn vs Hardrock FC (Luveve Stadium), ZPC Kariba vs Ngezi Platinum Stars (Nyamhunga Stadium), FC Platinum vs FC Hunters (Mandava Stadium), MWOS FC vs Highlanders (Ngoni Stadium), CAPS United vs Triangle United (Rufaro Stadium)
Sunday: Agama FC vs Herentals College (Wadzanayi Stadium), Dynamos vs Bulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro Stadium)
—@FungaiMuderere
