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Fungai Muderere, fungai.muderere@bmetro. .co.zw
HIGHLANDERS coach Benjani Mwaruwari is facing mounting scrutiny as his side continues to flatter to deceive in the 2026 Premier Soccer League campaign.
Bosso were held to their seventh consecutive draw of the season following a goalless stalemate against ZPC Kariba at Barbourfields on Sunday, a result that has left supporters increasingly restless.
Despite producing promising performances and showing glimpses of an attractive style of play, Highlanders have struggled to convert dominance into victories. The Bulawayo giants have managed just seven points from seven outings, raising questions about whether the issue lies with tactics, execution or simply misfortune.
Sections of the club’s faithful argue that the team’s structure is sound and only requires a finishing touch.
Adding a curious twist to the debate, some supporters have turned to superstition, claiming the team has been “locked” (iteam ibotshiwe), suggesting unseen forces may be hindering progress and possibly influencing internal dynamics within the club.
However, beyond the superstition, the reality remains visible: Highlanders are failing to turn good “handwriting” into correct answers on the pitch. The performances may look convincing, but the results tell a different story.
Elsewhere, Gweru-based TelOne FC are enduring a nightmare start to the season. The WiFi Boys, who impressed with a fifth-place finish last term, are yet to register a win after seven rounds of action.
Their latest setback came in a 2-0 home defeat to Chicken Inn FC, extending a miserable run that has seen them collect just three points from three draws while suffering four losses. Alarmingly, TelOne have gone 630 minutes without tasting victory like Highlanders.
Head coach Herbert Maruwa, affectionately known as “Jompano”, cut a frustrated figure after the match, admitting that urgent action is needed to arrest the slide.
“We now need to work as a family. Something must be done by TelOne. We can’t be losing all our home games but picking up points away. I don’t know, but something must be done,” said Maruwa.
TelOne’s struggles are particularly worrying given their current position — 16th in an 18-team log — and memories of their 2019 relegation still linger. With pressure mounting, the Gweru outfit faces a stern test against log leaders CAPS United in their next fixture on Saturday.
As the season unfolds, both Bosso and the WiFi Boys find themselves at a crossroads — one searching for consistency, the other desperately seeking a first win.
Chicken Inn are a buoyant lot ahead of their Week Eight derby fixture against Bosso at Barbourfields Stadium.
Against all odds, former league champions Dynamos played a one-all draw against Zvishavane-based FC Platinum, while pacesetters CAPS United played a one-all stalemate against new boys FC Hunters.
Defending champions found the going tough at Barbourfields Stadium when they were held to a nil-all stalemate by Bulawayo Chiefs.
Kelvin Kaindu’s Hardrock continued to punch above their weight when they dismissed Agama on a 1-0 scoreline.
Herentals College got the better of struggling Manica Diamonds 2-1. The miners are yet to register a win this season.
Meanwhile, as of yesterday, 99 league goals had been scored ahead of a league fixture between MWOS AND Simba Bhora that was played at Ngoni Stadium.
The league registered its first own goal on Sunday after Joseph Kaunda of Manica Diamonds turned to his own net when they played Herentals College.
Herentals College’s Ralph Kawondera leads the top goal scorers’ chart with five goals under his belt.
He is closely followed by Khama Billiat (Scottland), Kasondo( Dynamos), Marvelous Mukumba (Ngezi Platinum Stars), who are all tied on four goals. – @FungaiMuderere.
Online Reporter