malvernmugadzikwa
Langton Nyakwenda
WHEN they clinched the league title in 2006, Highlanders did not lose their opening 12 games and even won 10 on the trot on their way to a sixth and last championship since independence.
Back then, minnows Buymore ended their unbeaten run in Week 13, but Bosso still carried on with their mission and went on to land the championship in style.
They ended the season with 65 points, 11 ahead of second-placed Motor Action.
It is now 17 years since that feat but the 2023 season has offered a glimmer of hope for Highlanders, who are the only side yet to taste defeat.
The Bulawayo giants are unbeaten in 14 league matches and could stretch the streak to 15 if they avoid defeat against Herentals at Mandava Stadium today. They were the log leaders after 14 rounds of action.
Herentals are the reigning Chibuku Super Cup champions and boast the league’s oldest player, Innocent Benza (51), but Highlanders’ veteran gaffer Brito says he knows little about the Students.
Yet Herentals stand between Highlanders and a remarkable 15-game unbeaten run.
While Bosso are playing away from their favourite hunting ground, Barbourfields, their coach is an admirer of the Mandava turf. He is, however, worried about the unpredictable Herentals, who are unbeaten in their last three league encounters.
Herentals have adopted Mandava as their new home while the National Sports Stadium is undergoing renovations.
They have already claimed the scalp of Simba Bhora at the Zvishavane venue.
“Mandava is a good facility with good grass but the unfortunate thing is we know little about our opponents,” said Brito.
“We have seen little of them but our preparations with regards to the game have been going on well.
“We look forward to continuing creating our identity of playing football. However, on Sunday (today), we will introduce a new identity as we expect a very difficult game on a turf that is good to play football,” said the Brazilian.
Bosso are on a roll.
They are unbeaten in 14 matches and playing some solid football that has left their huge followers believing once again.
They have the best defence in the league, having conceded only four times in at least 1 260 minutes of football.
Central defender Peter Muduhwa and veteran goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda have been key to the run that has gotten most in the City of Kings to believe this could be a repeat of 2006.
But Bosso have flattered to deceive in the past. In 2012, they went on a record 23-game unbeaten run under Kelvin Kaindu but still failed to win the title.
They lost 0-3 against Monomotapa at Rufaro Stadium in Week 24.
Dynamos, who were then under the tutelage of Kalisto Pasuwa, held their nerve and clinched a second title on the trot on goal difference.
Brito must be dreaming of matching that 23-game unbeaten run, too, though long unbeaten runs do not guarantee the championship. The Brazilian seems to have mastered the art of mind games just as his former boss Jose Mourinho.
Last week, he was in overdrive, criticising fellow giants Dynamos and CAPS United for running down Bosso’s home ground.
Both DeMbare and Makepekepe now use BF for home matches, while the National Sports Stadium is undergoing renovations.
Brito thinks BF is now being overused.
“The grass has now been destroyed at Barbourfields. Let’s respect each other because that grass needs four or three months to recover,” Brito told the media during the week.
Fixtures:
Triangle v Bulawayo Chiefs (Gibbo), Black Rhinos v Hwange (Bata), Herentals v Highlanders (Mandava)
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Bongani Ndlovu