Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere [email protected]
THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) table can be deceptive!
At first glance, Highlanders’ seventh-place position after 21 rounds may suggest an average campaign by the Bulawayo giants.
However, a closer look at the standings tells a different story — one of missed opportunities rather than outright failure.
Bosso have amassed 33 points from 21 matches, winning seven, drawing 12 and losing just twice. While the two defeats underline the side’s resilience and defensive solidity, the unusually high number of draws has prevented coach Benjani Mwaruwari from launching a sustained title challenge.
Highlanders have become the league’s draw specialists.
Their 12 stalemates are the most by any club in the top flight this season, a statistic that has left Bosso playing catch-up despite being one of the league’s toughest teams to beat.
The numbers paint a revealing picture.
Had Highlanders converted just four of those 12 draws into victories, they would have collected an additional eight points, taking their tally to 41 — enough to occupy second place behind leaders Scottland FC.
Instead, they remain seventh, highlighting the fine margins that often define championship races, where turning one point into three can make all the difference.
Despite their current standing, Bosso remain firmly in contention in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive title races in recent years.
Scottland FC lead the standings with 46 points from 21 matches, while Hardrock FC are second on 39 points, although they have played one game fewer following the abandonment of their fixture against Dynamos.
Ngezi Platinum Stars and Herentals College are tied on 36 points, with CAPS United fifth on 35. Dynamos, who also have a game in hand, occupy sixth place on 34 points, leaving Highlanders just a point behind their traditional rivals.
The gap between Bosso and fifth-placed CAPS United is only two points, while just three points separate them from both Ngezi Platinum Stars and Herentals College.
Such is the congestion at the top end of the table that a run of three or four consecutive victories could dramatically reshape the standings.
Perhaps the biggest positive for Mwaruwari is Highlanders’ impressive defensive record. Bosso have conceded just 13 goals, the second-best tally in the league behind Scottland FC, who have shipped only six. Their well-organised backline has provided the foundation for consistent performances and explains why defeats have been so rare.
The concern, however, lies at the opposite end of the pitch.
Highlanders have scored only 19 goals in 21 matches, the lowest return among the league’s top seven teams. By comparison, Scottland have netted 35 goals, Hardrock 33, Dynamos 31, Ngezi Platinum Stars 26, Herentals College 25 and CAPS United 26.
Those statistics clearly expose Bosso’s biggest weakness.
While they have defended resolutely, they have too often failed to convert promising performances into victories, allowing opponents to escape with valuable points.
The challenge becomes even greater this weekend as Bosso travel to Mandava Stadium to face FC Platinum in one of the standout fixtures of Matchday 22. Victory would not only strengthen Highlanders’ title aspirations but could also see them make significant ground on several teams above them, depending on results elsewhere.
The encouraging news for Bosso supporters is that there is still plenty of football to be played.
With 13 matches remaining, a total of 39 points are still up for grabs, leaving the title race wide open. Momentum has often proved decisive during the second half of Zimbabwean league campaigns, with teams capable of stringing together winning runs emerging as genuine championship contenders.
For Highlanders, the challenge is clear.
They must maintain one of the league’s meanest defences while becoming more clinical in front of goal. If Bosso can start turning draws into victories, they could rapidly climb the standings and firmly establish themselves in the title race.
The coming weeks may well define their season. For now, one thing is certain: Highlanders are far from out of contention. Their destiny remains firmly in their own hands — provided they can finally convert resilience into maximum points.
Castle Lager PSL Matchday 22 Fixtures
Friday
Scottland FC vs TelOne FC (Rufaro Stadium)
Saturday, July 11
Simba Bhora vs Bulawayo Chiefs (Wadzanayi Stadium), Chicken Inn FC vs Manica Diamonds FC (Luveve Stadium),
ZPC Kariba vs FC Hunters (Nyamhunga Stadium), FC Platinum vs Highlanders FC (Mandava Stadium), CAPS
United FC vs Ngezi Platinum Stars FC (Rufaro Stadium) – 3 PM
Sunday
MWOS vs Dynamos (Ngoni Stadium), Herentals College vs Hardrock (Rufaro Stadium), Agama FC vs Triangle United FC (Wadzanayi Stadium) — @FungaiMuderere
