Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
PIETER De Jongh steps back onto Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon for his first home match since returning to Highlanders, and he has a clear message: Bosso need their fans more than ever.
Ahead of today’s clash with Yadah Stars, the Dutchman released a video appeal that has been widely shared on social media. Standing on the Barbourfields turf with his technical team, he urged the faithful to pack the stands and turn the arena into a fortress.
“We need your support. We want a full stadium. Together, we can get a great victory,” De Jongh declared.
His assistant, Try Ncube, echoed the call. “Please Bosso fans, come in your numbers so we can conquer.”
For Yadah, coach Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe brushed aside the fanfare surrounding De Jongh’s return.
“We always play to win games. But it’s difficult to get a result at Barbourfields, especially now that they have just changed coaches and are coming off a win. Still, we will give it our best shot and try to get something positive.”
De Jongh marked his comeback with a vital 2-1 away win over Bikita Minerals last weekend, but the job is far from done. Highlanders are still hovering just four points above the drop zone with 32 points from 26 games.
Yadah, sitting just behind them on 28, arrive in Bulawayo knowing victory would drag Bosso deeper into the relegation fight.
“It’s a tough opponent, quick, good with the ball, but at home we must win,” De Jongh said. “We need the fans. If we get eight more points from the remaining games, we stay up. That is our target.”
Yet, while the coach preaches unity, his reception this afternoon is expected to be complicated.
De Jongh is no stranger to Barbourfields. He guided Bosso to Chibuku Super Cup success in 2019 and turned a faltering side into genuine contenders. But his sudden switch to FC Platinum soon after left many fans feeling betrayed. Some still haven’t forgiven him.
Now he returns with a different mandate, not to chase trophies but to rescue a sleeping giant from relegation. Whether the crowd will rally behind him or remain cold is the question that lingers over Emagumeni.
This afternoon, the answer will be written not just on the scoreboard, but in the roar, or silence, that greets the man once nicknamed Hlabangana.
Elsewhere today, CAPS United host ZPC Kariba at Rufaro, while Triangle welcome Herentals to Gibbo Stadium. Kwekwe United face Manica Diamonds at Ascot.
