Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS face two demanding examinations today, one in the boardroom and another against champions Scottland at Barbourfields Stadium.
Club members will gather at the North End club house in the morning for an extraordinary general meeting expected to scrutinise Bosso’s financial affairs.
By afternoon, attention will turn to Emagumeni, where Benjani Mwaruwari’s side will attempt to halt the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League leaders and become the first team in 10 matches to score against them.
It is a difficult assignment for a Highlanders side that has proved hard to beat this season, but has struggled to turn competitive performances into victories.
Bosso have lost only twice in 22 league matches, yet they have drawn 13 times and won on seven occasions.
Those dropped points from their many draws have prevented them from mounting a stronger challenge and left supporters frustrated by a season that has promised more than it has delivered.
Their home form has been a particular concern.
Barbourfields has not provided the advantage Highlanders would have expected this season.
They have won only three of their 11 home league matches, drawing seven and collecting 16 points.
Ironically, Bosso have been more productive away from home, where they have collected 18 points.
Mwaruwari now faces the challenge of restoring Highlanders’ authority at home against the most consistent team in the league.
Scottland arrive in Bulawayo top of the standings with 49 points from 22 matches, having won 14, drawn seven and lost just once.
While Highlanders rarely lose, but often fail to win, Scottland rarely concede and remain unbeaten away from home.
Norman Mapeza’s side have allowed only six goals in 22 league matches, the best defensive record in the competition.
They have also kept nine consecutive clean sheets, a run that has strengthened their grip on the championship race and underlined the size of the task facing Bosso.
Scottland have been equally impressive on their travels.
They have collected 27 points from a possible 33 away from home after eight victories and three draws.
Highlanders must find a way through a defence that has shut out their last nine opponents, while also containing a side that has repeatedly found ways to win away from home.
Mabviravira have found the target 37 times so far in their league campaign.
“We all know that Scottland are a very good team. They have quality everywhere,” Mwaruwari said in the build-up to the match.
“We know the challenge that awaits us. We have been playing well, but not picking up as many points as we wanted.
“Hopefully, judging by what we are doing here, the preparations are going well and we will do better today.
“Our fans always support us and they have to support us for the whole 90 minutes.”
For Highlanders, victory would provide more than three points.
It would restore some confidence at Barbourfields, slow Scottland’s title charge and lift the mood around the club on a day when members will also be asking difficult questions about the Bulawayo giants’ financial direction.
For Scottland, another positive result would strengthen their position at the top and extend an unbeaten away record that has become central to their championship defence.
Highlanders members will demand answers in the morning.
By afternoon, Mwaruwari and his players will have to provide some of their own.
Against a Scottland side that has gone nine matches without conceding, Highlanders will need more than another resilient performance.
They need a victory.
Today’s Fixtures
Hardrock v Triangle United (Chawanda)
Highlanders v Scottland (Barbourfields)
Dynamos v Simba Bhora (Rufaro)
