Bosso hit by suspensions and Mongameli’s absence as Benjani eyes crucial win Thin squad, big expectations

FOR Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari, tomorrow’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against Hunters at Barbourfields Stadium is far more than just another game. It is a real test — of his squad, his tactics and his team’s character.

Highlanders go into the match dealing with a growing list of absentees, and that has created a serious headache for Mwaruwari.

With key players missing, he must find a way to reshape his team while also fixing another concern — their habit of drawing too many games.

Bosso will be without three important players: midfielder Darlington Mukuli, left-back Kudakwashe Mahachi and playmaker Mongameli Tshuma.

Each of them has been key to Highlanders’ season so far.
Mukuli and Mahachi will both miss the match after picking up suspensions for accumulating yellow cards.

Mukuli’s absence is perhaps the biggest blow. He has been the engine of the team’s midfield, bringing calmness, strong defending and leadership to the side. He has even worn the captain’s armband at times, showing just how important he has become. Without him, Highlanders lose both a tactical anchor and a strong voice on the pitch.

Mahachi will also be a big miss. Known mainly for his attacking skills earlier in his career, he has successfully reinvented himself as a left-back.

This season, he has been one of the team’s most reliable players, offering both experience and energy on the flank.

Then there is Tshuma, who is away on national team duty. His absence removes one of Highlanders’ most creative threats going forward. Without him, Mwaruwari may have to rethink how his team attacks.

All of this comes at a difficult time.

Highlanders have drawn too many matches this season, and it is starting to frustrate supporters. Out of their first 14 games, they have recorded 10 draws, along with three wins and just one defeat.

That is more draws than any other team in the league.
While fans have been happy with the team’s improved structure and style of play, there is a growing feeling that

Highlanders should be winning more matches.

Good performances have not always brought the results they deserve.

That is why this match against Hunters is so important.

It gives Bosso a chance to turn their season in the right direction — to prove they can turn control into goals and good play into victories.
But it will not be easy.

Hunters, despite being newly promoted, have shown that they are not in the league to make up the numbers.

They have been quietly building their reputation and will see this match as a chance to make a big statement.

For Highlanders, a win would not only improve their position on the table but also ease the growing pressure from their supporters, especially at home.

Barbourfields Stadium is expected to be buzzing, as it usually is, and the atmosphere should lift the players. But energy from the crowd alone will not be enough.

For Mwaruwari, the task is clear but difficult — find the right balance, fill the gaps left by missing players, and most importantly, find a way to turn possession and control into three points.

Because at this stage of the season, draws are no longer enough.

Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Week 15 Fixtures

Today: Dynamos v Ngezi Platinum (Rufaro Stadium) MWOS v Hardrock (Ngoni Stadium

Tomorrow: Scottland v CAPS United (National Sports Stadium) Highlanders v Hunters (Barbourfields Stadium) FC Platinum v Herentals (Mandava Stadium) TelOne v Agama (Ascot Stadium) Simba Bhora v Triangle (Wadzanayi Stadium) ZPC Kariba v Chicken Inn (Nyamhunga Stadium)
Monday: Bulawayo Chiefs v Manica Diamonds (Barbourfields Stadium)