Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS FC find themselves in deep trouble as newly-appointed head coach Hendrik Pieter de Jongh prepares for his first match in charge. The Dutchman, who previously led Bosso to the Chibuku Super Cup title in 2019, has returned to a club in crisis, openly admitting that the situation is far “worse” than when he last managed the team.
“Thank you for the invitation and for a nice welcome back to the club. I was last here in 2019. Six years later, it’s a totally different situation. The team is not in a good position; it is fighting relegation. In 2019 it also looked the same only now the situation has worsened,” said De Jongh.
Highlanders are set to face Bikita Minerals away at Gibbo Stadium on Sunday in a match that could prove pivotal. Both teams are locked on 29 points after 25 games, and although Bosso currently sit ninth, they are just two points above the relegation zone. The bottom half of the table is congested, with Triangle, CAPS United, Yadah, and Chicken Inn all within a point of Highlanders. Green Fuel, Manica Diamonds, and Dynamos are just below the cut-off, while Kwekwe United remain rooted to the bottom with only nine points.
With nine matches remaining, the traditional safety benchmark of 40 points looms large. De Jongh has set a survival target of 11 points from the remaining fixtures.
“You need 40 points at the end of the season to survive. Out of nine games, the target is 11 points. As a coach you want to win every game, but what’s important is we save the team in the Premier League,” he said.
Despite expectations of a formal unveiling, Highlanders opted for a low-key internal media session, leaving several questions unanswered. One of the most pressing concerns is the status of goalkeeper Reward Muza, who was absent from training and reportedly told to leave the club after missing multiple sessions without explanation. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi, who has been sidelined with injury, was seen training alongside Ariel Sibanda.
De Jongh’s return comes after a disappointing spell at Silver Strikers in Malawi and a brief stint with Somalia’s national team, raising doubts about his ability to rescue Highlanders from their current predicament. Interim coach Try Ncube managed just one win in eight matches, leaving the club vulnerable and in desperate need of a turnaround.
Still, De Jongh remains hopeful and has called for unity and fan support.
“Highlanders have the best fans, the most fans in the country. At home, we need a full Barbourfields Stadium, and in away games, we need big support. Let’s go for it and receive better things.”
To strengthen the squad, Highlanders have brought in Nigerian striker Benjamin Oluwarotimi Adeogun on loan from Gwanda Pirates, along with midfielders Learnmore Muyambo and Martin Nhubu from Ngezi Platinum. However, Nhubu’s signing is yet to be officially confirmed.
Meanwhile, the Premier Soccer League has announced that Matchday 26 will include a moment of silence in honour of former Warriors forward Tendai Ndoro, whose passing has deeply affected the Zimbabwean football community.
Fixtures Today:
TelOne v Chicken Inn (Ascot Stadium) Simba Bhora v Kwekwe United (Wadzanayi Stadium) Herentals v Scottland ZPC Kariba v Triangle FC Platinum v CAPS United (Mandava Stadium)
Sunday
Manica Diamonds v MWOS (Sakubva Stadium) Dynamos v GreenFuel (Rufaro Stadium) Bikita Minerals v Highlanders
Londile Moyo