Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS head coach Pieter De Jongh, has made it clear that league survival comes before cup glory as Bosso heads to Kariba for their rescheduled Chibuku Super Cup first-round clash against Herentals on Sunday, at Nyamhunga Stadium.
The Dutch tactician, who famously guided Highlanders to the 2019 Chibuku Super Cup title, now faces a very different challenge. Bosso are fighting to avoid relegation, and De Jongh insists hitting 40 points to guarantee safety is his top priority.
“For me, I have said the most important thing is to get us 40 points, which guarantees us safety and we have seven games to do that,” said De Jongh.
While a cup run would boost morale, De Jongh is pragmatic about the task at hand. He warned that Herentals, enjoying a better league run, will be tough opponents and stressed the importance of fair officiating.
“We need to be realistic. Herentals have a better flow in the league, they are a tough team. I just hope fair play prevails. Last week had big markings of the officiating not only for us but for both sides, so we hope there will be fair officiating. It’s a cup game and anything is possible.”
Highlanders ramped up preparations with two Thursday training sessions before departing for Kariba in the evening. De Jongh described the upcoming clash as “a fifty-fifty game.”
The fixture, originally set for August, was postponed due to Kariba District Heroes Day celebrations. It will now be the second of two first-round matches, with ZPC Kariba taking on Chicken Inn on Saturday at Nyamhunga Stadium.
The Chibuku Super Cup first round has already delivered drama. Defending champions Dynamos survived a tense 1-1 draw against Simba Bhora, winning 5-4 on penalties after Ghanaian striker Felix Kwaku Hammond cancelled out Boid Mutukure’s goal.
Premier League debutants MWOS stunned football fans with a 2-0 victory over CAPS United at Ngoni Stadium, thanks to second-half strikes from Nigel Mutinha and Arthur Banda. Manica Diamonds held FC Platinum to a 0-0 draw, progressing via penalties, while Bikita Minerals edged TelOne 5-4 in a shootout after a 1-1 stalemate.
Scottland booked a quarter-final spot with a 1-0 win over GreenFuel, courtesy of a 15th-minute goal from Moses Shidolo. Triangle United rounded off the quarter-finalists by defeating Ngezi Platinum Stars 6-5 on penalties after a hard-fought match at Baobab Stadium.
Chibuku Super Cup Fixtures
Saturday: ZPC Kariba vs Chicken Inn
Sunday: Herentals vs Highlanders
De Jongh remains focused on the league, reminding fans and players alike that keeping Bosso in the top flight is the first battle. The cup, for now, is secondary.
