Londile Moyo
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
HIGHLANDERS’ players came back together yesterday with the kind of resolve that only pressure can force, regrouping after a day of industrial action to face yet another test of loyalty, pride and endurance. This afternoon at Barbourfields Stadium, there will be no room for excuses as Bosso line up for a derby that demands answers long before the first whistle.
Twenty four hours earlier, the mood had been heavy. Training was abandoned on Monday as the players downed tools in protest over delayed March salaries, their frustration spilling out after weeks of quiet endurance. They spoke openly about the heat they were feeling — landlords knocking, families waiting, obligations that do not pause just because football is unforgiving.
It had not helped that twice in the last four weeks, coach Benjani Mwaruwari had dipped into his own pocket, offering allowances after the drawn encounters against Simba Bhora and Scottland. It was recognition of effort, yes, but also a reminder of how fragile the situation had become.
Still, there was never real doubt that Highlanders would honour the fixture against Chicken Inn. History has written that script before. Since the 1980s, Bosso players have occasionally gone on strike, only to regroup and take the field come the weekend. What history also whispers — sometimes loudly — is that such matches are rarely won.
Chicken Inn, however, would be mistaken to look too closely at Bosso’s problems. Highlanders have always drawn strength from adversity, especially in front of their own people. Their fans have remained loyal through a bruising stretch that has seen the club rack up nearly two dozen draws since April 2025, and that bond has never entirely broken.
Behind the scenes, there was little said. Both players and executives chose silence as the situation unfolded, after the club confirmed on Monday that it was seized with the matter and doing everything possible to have the squad ready to face the Gamecocks.
As with every derby, there is nowhere to hide. The prize is clear — three points, city bragging rights and a chance to breathe easier on the log as both teams chase better ground.
At White City Stadium yesterday morning, the tension was visible. Training was meant to start at 10AM, but when the time came, the players stood around in small groups, boots on the ground but minds elsewhere. At around 1050 hours, they gathered at the centre circle to speak with the technical team, manager Zenzo Moyo arriving a few minutes later.
Six minutes passed. Then the players broke away and met on their own. No gestures, no drama. Moments later, bags were opened, kits pulled on and boots laced up.
Whatever was discussed had settled something. Whether it was good news or simply a pact among themselves to fight on, the message was clear — honour the badge, honour the supporters and show up for the derby.
Moyo said nothing as the session got under way, but the body language told its own story. The tempo was sharp, the focus evident, morale lifting as preparations intensified for what has now become the biggest match between Bulawayo’s football rivals.
Former champions both, Highlanders and Chicken Inn are set to collide in the first round of the 2026 Castle Lager Championship, defending not just points, but pride.
After battling through a rain soaked Independence Cup final in Maphisa on Saturday, Bosso may have been wise to keep things light yesterday, conserving energy ahead of what promises to be a bruising encounter against Tonderayi Ndiraya’s expensively assembled side.
At a press conference on Monday, the two time championship winning coach left little to interpretation.
“We are ready for Match Day 8 against our brothers, Highlanders, and we assure the Topola Topola fans that after 90mminutes, we will have the bragging rights of the city,” said Ndiraya.
Chicken Inn come into the derby with momentum after back to back wins and are expected to press high, testing a Bosso defence that has been solid but overworked.
Highlanders, meanwhile, will be searching desperately for goals, hoping to silence the ghosts of draws past and rid themselves of a tag they no longer want.
Elsewhere this afternoon, Dynamos travel to Rufaro to take on Scottland in a match that will decide Harare bragging rights, ensuring that wherever football is played today, pride will be on the line.
Fixtures
Week Eight
Chicken Inn v Highlanders (Barbourfields), Scottland v Dynamos (Rufaro), ZPC Kariba v Bulawayo Chiefs (Nyamhunga)
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