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FORMER Highlanders utility player Amin Soma-Phiri believes the Chibuku Super Cup semi-final against CAPS United has presented the Bulawayo giants with a chance to redeem themselves in a season blighted by industrial action.
Highlanders will clash with the Harare giants on Sunday in a make-or-break tie that either side will be looking forward to winning after another poor league challenge by both.
Soma-Phiri who top-scored in the 1988 Chibuku Trophy with five goals, two more than runner-up Charles “Chola” Chirwa of Dynamos, said the tournament presents both CAPS United and
Highlanders with a realistic chance of salvaging some pride.
He said Highlanders players should put aside what happened before and focus on ending the season with some Christmas money.
“Here is a chance for the boys to have some Christmas money for themselves, a chance to win a trophy for the club and have a medal to take home,” said Soma-Phiri.
Soma-Phiri was a member of the 1984-1994 cup-sweeping Highlanders generation that won two league championships and virtually every available tournament for Premiership sides.
The team gained popularity for its never-say-die attitude and aptitude to win great things. They had the big-match temperament and carried the load for the fans and the badge.
He admitted that 2026 had not been an easy season for Highlanders despite celebrating its centenary.
“It was a hard year with all that was happening at the club, but this is the time to put that at the back of the boys’ minds and focus on the challenge at hand, which is facing CAPS United in the Chibuku Super Cup. The boys have to win it to save their season,” said Soma-Phiri.
He challenged the boys to play for the badge and their own careers as the season is coming to an end and that excelling now may mean a better contract or attention from elsewhere.
“This is the time to make a statement, and only the boys can make the difference now, but this calls for psychological preparedness and other necessary things being in place for the boys to perform at their best. But games such as this one are self-motivating and demand that each player puts in the shift for better results,” said Soma-Phiri, who lined up among some of the best players to don the Highlanders jersey, including the legendary Madinda Ndlovu, Peter Ndlovu, Dumisani Nyoni, Tito Paketh, Peter Nkomo, Tanny Banda, Abraham Madondo, the late Adam Ndlovu, Nqobizitha Maenzanise, Rahman Gumbo, Titus Majola, David Phiri, Mercedes Sibanda and Willard Khumalo.
Soma-Phiri said games like this one have no bearing on the past but new ball games.
“The fact that Highlanders lost home and away to CAPS United in the league race, means nothing. This is a game to fight for, a game to bring to an end CAPS United’s dominance of Highlanders in 2026, it is up to the boys to trot onto Rufaro Stadium highly motivated in mind, knowing what the game means,” said Soma-Phiri.
He reminded the boys that the club is celebrating 100 years of existence. He said it would be nice if the boys ended the year with a piece of silverware.
“The year 2026 was a special one and Highlanders need to win something to add to the festive spirit among supporters and members who have been celebrating a milestone.
“Winning this tournament would serenade the celebrations and take that to Christmas said the legendary midfielder who created many memories with headed goals, including a hat-trick past Lucky Dube in 1988 in a league match against Dynamos.
CAPS, buoyed by improved finances, failed to rise to it in 2026, playing second fiddle to Hardrock, Scottland, Ngezi Platinum and Dynamos in a season they started among the hot favourites.
A good game looks on the cards.
