Bosso not there yet, says Benjani

BENJANI MWARUWARI is keeping his feet on the ground after Highlanders edged Dynamos in a tense Jairos Jiri Charity Cup clash at a packed Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.

The Bosso coach focused less on the result and more on the work still ahead as he continues to shape a side he believes is far from the finished article.

“I’m happy the boys played according to the instructions that we had given them. The boys played very well,” said Mwaruwari.

“We are still in a team-building exercise. We are not yet there but we are building and well on course. We are still preparing for the new season.”

The win over their biggest rivals brought a lift for the home crowd, but Mwaruwari stressed the need to stay focused on the bigger picture as he works to embed his ideas.

Barbourfields remains a special place for the former Warriors captain, who has returned to the club as head coach.

“Barbourfields Stadium will always remain my special place. I grew up here and I played here and I welcome the opportunity that I have to coach Highlanders. I’m so happy that I am now working in front of my friends and my family members,” he said.

Highlanders showed flashes of organisation as they continue to find rhythm, with Nigerian striker Benjamin Odeugun’s second half goal settling the contest.

Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe said his side is still testing combinations as they build towards the new campaign.

“We are still trying combinations to see how best we can come up with a good squad from the players that we have,” said Mangombe.

He said there were positives in the performance but admitted concerns over defensive organisation, especially in the build up to the decisive goal.

The two rivals will meet again in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Week Two clash at Rufaro Stadium next month, which should offer a clearer picture of their progress ahead of the season.