Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
DERBY day has arrived and the mood around Highlanders suggests the stage is perfectly set for a thunderous start to the season against city rivals Bulawayo Chiefs FC at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
In the days leading up to the clash, Bosso have taken the derby to the streets.
A colourful roadshow snaked through Bulawayo with music blasting, black-and-white flags waving and supporters dancing along the route as the club rallied its faithful to fill Barbourfields for the opening match of the campaign.
From the city centre to the western suburbs, the message was unmistakable: the season starts now, and Bosso want the stands packed.
For many supporters who joined the road show, the event was a rallying call ahead of a fixture that always carries immense pride in the city.
“The road show just hyped everyone up. When Bosso fans unite like this, it’s nearly impossible for Chiefs to win at Barbourfields,” said Entumbane resident Sipho Dube.
Thandeka Moyo, another supporter found at Emakhandeni said: “Benjani has brought a new spirit to the team. After that Charity Cup win over Dynamos, we know the boys can also beat Chiefs tomorrow (today). We just need to back them all the way.”
Long-time fan Mlungisi Ncube said: “A derby is about city pride. Chiefs are strong, but not against Highlanders at Barbourfields with the fans behind them. We expect nothing less than a victory. Today is our day.”
Expectations among the Highlanders faithful have also been fuelled by the arrival of coach Benjani Mwaruwari, who takes charge of his first league match for the Bulawayo giants. The former Zimbabwe international has already enjoyed a winning moment at Barbourfields after guiding Bosso to a 1-0 victory over Dynamos FC in the Jairos Jiri Charity Cup, and supporters are hoping that momentum continues today.
Highlanders have also returned from a pre-season camp in Botswana where the focus was on team building and preparing the squad for the demands of the new campaign.
But across the city divide, Chiefs arrive determined not to be overawed. Veteran coach John Nyikadzino, the man who guided the club back into the top flight, has strengthened his squad with 12 new signings as they prepare for life back in the Premier Soccer League.
Among the new arrivals are experienced defender Elvis Moyo and striker Brian Muza, players expected to play key roles as Chiefs seek to make an early impression.
Yet if the scenes witnessed during the roadshow are anything to go by, Bosso fans are already in full voice and ready to celebrate. And when the gates open at Barbourfields today, Highlanders supporters will expect that same energy from the streets to be carried into the stands — and hopefully power their team to a winning start.
Meanwhile, in Gweru today, TelOne will play host to Dynamos in a rescheduled match after rains made Ascot Stadium unplayable, forcing the Premier Soccer League to have the tie this morning.
