Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere and Lovemore Dube
HIGHLANDERS’ preparations for tomorrow’s Bulawayo derby against Chicken Inn were thrown off balance after players refused to train over unpaid salaries, casting 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 the 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 expected to be packed as Bulawayo’s fiercest rivalry takes centre stage on Match Day 8, with Highlanders chasing consistency after an unbeaten but draw-heavy start under coach Benjani Mwaruwari.
There has been visible structure and energy in Bosso’s play, even if results have not fully followed. The question now is whether the dressing room distractions bleed into their performance.
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 Tonderayi Ndiraya.
His side comes in on the back of two straight wins, and he is backing that confidence against an unbeaten opponent.
“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. Ndiraya is preparing for more than just individuals.
“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.”
For Highlanders, the derby now carries a second layer, protect their unbeaten run and prove the off-field issues have not fractured the group. Chicken Inn sensing vulnerability, will look to strike.
Form rarely settles these matches. Pride usually does. But this time, Bosso must first win the battle inside their own camp before they can win it on the pitch.
Elsewhere, defending champions Scottland face Dynamos at Rufaro, while ZPC Kariba host Bulawayo Chiefs at Nyamhunga.
Peter Tanyanyiwa