Chronicle Editor
Mandla Ncube, Sports Reporter
WITH the 2020 Premier Soccer League season on the horizon, the dream of a first championship crown in 14 years for Bulawayo giants, Highlanders opens yet another annual chapter.
It is second nature that every year Highlanders carries some weight of expectation and this season is no exception, despite a rather more muted transfer window for Bosso that does little to stop even the less fanatic Bosso fans of dreaming about the league title.
For Highlanders, that league dream has become an obsession, a fascination which looks to be somewhat at an all-time high this season. However, Highlanders have been in this transfer window subjected to watching teams like FC Platinum, Dynamos, Chicken Inn and others flex their financial muscles splashing money on signing after signing.
Former Highlanders American player, Kirk Friedrich is however, confident that the arrival of Britton, Mark Harrison, will propel Highlanders to the league title that has continued to elude them since 2006.
“I think with this new coach in place and the energy that he comes with, this Highlanders team can win this season’s championship title although it’s early to tell we will but we will have to wait and see,” Friedrich told Sunday News.
With Bosso’s 2019 campaign saved face by the Chibuku Cup triumph, Friedrich said appointing Harrison was a smart move and with his qualities he can be able to wield respect from the players which will be key in imparting his style to the team.
Friedrich feels Highlanders need to keep faith in home grown talent as the harsh economic situation has not spurred Amahlolanyama as a public club, the heat has been heavier, making it difficult to compete with clubs with better financial backing.
“The economic situation has been difficult, and this has left Highlanders as a public club a little bit disadvantaged and that even extends to the league table, it is important for the club now to focus on bringing up younger players as compared to trying to buy the best players. I was glad to hear that Bekithemba Ndlovu is coaching the younger players because I have always felt that having someone who understands the values of the club is important in identifying talent for the club,” added Friedrich.
The former Bosso player who was in the country together with his wife recently said he was however, sad not to be able to tour Barbourfields Stadium, since the venue is undergoing renovations for it to meet Confederation of African Football standards for hosting international matches.
“I decided to come visit Bulawayo and show my wife the place. I had a good time here and I’m sure she agrees that this is a good place,” he said.
Friedrich is back at home in America where he is involved in sport and development focusing on young people.
Online Reporter