Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere and Lovemore Dube
HIGHLANDERS’ preparations for tomorrow’s Bulawayo derby against Chicken Inn have been thrown off balance after players refused to train over unpaid salaries.
The move casts a shadow over one of the city’s biggest fixtures.
Players reported for training but walked out, protesting delayed March wages.
Sources said tensions had been simmering, with four players allegedly evicted from their lodgings as the situation worsened. The unrest nearly spilled into the Independence Cup final against Scottland, before the technical team stepped in.
“After intervention of the technical team, who emphasised that there is no bigger occasion than National Day, the players agreed to go and play their best at Maphisa where they lost 1-0 to Scottland,” said a source. Highlanders moved to contain the situation last night, confirming they are one month behind on salaries while assuring supporters the focus remains on upcoming fixtures.
“It’s a matter we are seized with as a club and we are doing everything possible to ensure normalcy returns, the coaches and players concentrate on the two tasks lying ahead which is Chicken Inn on Wednesday and CAPS United at the weekend,” said the club. Despite the off-field turbulence, the derby still carries its usual weight.
Barbourfields is still expected to be packed.
There has been visible structure and energy in Bosso’s play, even if results have not been to expectations despite an unbeaten start to the season.
The question now is whether the dressing room distractions will affect their performance tomorrow.
Chicken Inn arrive with momentum and belief.
“We are ready for Match Day 8 against our brothers Highlanders, and we assure the Topola Topola fans that after 90 minutes, we will have the bragging rights of the city,” said coach Tonderai Ndiraya.
“We all know Highlanders are a big team — that’s where the excitement comes from. We have won two games in succession and we are going into the match with so much confidence.
“We are expecting a tough game,” he said.
He added: “We are not playing Highlanders as a team, but as a system. They are yet to taste defeat, and I have great respect for coach Benjani Mwaruwari, who has transformed the team.”
Elsewhere, defending champions Scottland face Dynamos at Rufaro, while ZPC Kariba host Bulawayo Chiefs at Nyamhunga.
