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HIGHLANDERS Football Club must be asking themselves what they have to do to beat their perennial rivals Dynamos because for the umpteenth time, they have come out second best and cemented their bridesmaid tag against their bitter rivals. Their 2-0 loss to DeMbare in the Bob90 Super Cup final at Rufaro Stadium in Harare on Sunday was further confirmation of the ‘‘mental block’’ that has embedded itself in the psyche of the Bosso family and their players do not seem to have the belief that they can overcome their traditional rivals.
Highlanders’ faithfuls must have been salivating at the prospect of having an all conquering side after their club went overdrive on the market snapping up top quality players to bolster their 2014 squad. The arrival of Kuda Mahachi, Valentine Ndaba, Felix Chindungwe, Charles Sibanda, Joel Ngodzo and Khumbulani Banda, raised expectations at the club and underlined the side’s ambitions to finally land the Premiership crown.
It is still early days but with less than two weeks to go before the Premier League kicks off, the Highlanders team should be taking shape and firing on all cylinders. Clearly, head coach Kelvin Kaindu needs to find a winning formula and a system that allows his galaxy of stars to gel. One issue that is glaring is that Highlanders need an out and out striker and the sooner the executive assists Kaindu to land a genuine “gunman” the better for the team.
The troublesome anchorman position should also be filled as a matter of urgency if Bosso are to challenge for honours. Their game on Sunday exposed the need for a midfield hardman to complement and shield the defence. This would allow the natural talents of Peter “Rio” Moyo, Mthulisi Maphosa, Kuda Mahachi and Milton Ncube to shine through so that the strikers get a constant supply of clean balls.
On Sunday, it was clear Dynamos were playing with grit, guile and intent and outplayed their Bulawayo counterparts in all departments. They were fitter, faster and hungrier for the ball and ran out deserved winners. Their champions’ league forays obviously helped them in increasing their fitness levels and they were well prepared than Highlanders for the match.
For Kaindu and his men, it’s back to the drawing board and a lot of hard work needs to be put in during the short time that is left before the season begins. They owe it to their multitudes of passionate followers to raise their game and put the smiles back on their faces. They should take the Bob90 final as a wake up call to raise the bar and compete on an equal footing with other title contenders.
Reports from Harare say some of the star players did not put in a shift and Kaindu needs to put his foot down and clampdown on this prima Donna mentality before it takes root. Players should know what it means to don the black and white kit and be prepared to die for the cause. They have no excuse to underperform since the niggling issue of finances seems to have been taken care of.
The BancABC sponsorship allows the players’ salaries to be paid on time and there appears to be harmony in the club on that front. We also salute the executive and board for working together to strengthen the team during the off-season. We therefore expect nothing less than a steam-rolling juggernaut when the season starts and we are throwing down the gauntlet to Kaindu and his troops to deliver and draw large crowds to Barbourfields Stadium.
History has shown that Highlanders generally dictate the mood of Bulawayo and when they fire on all cylinders, the city is alive. We hope the players realise the enormity of the responsibilities on their shoulders.
‘‘Operation Restore Glory’’ might have suffered a minor bleep on that forgettable sun-drenched afternoon in Harare but it’s certainly not dead in the water. It’s time for the giant to rise and shine.
Online Reporter