Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League returns this weekend with a full programme of fixtures, but for Bulawayo and the entire Zimbabwean football fraternity, the spotlight remains firmly on grief-stricken Highlanders.
Just days after burying chairman Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso “Fiso” Siziba, treasurer Nkani Khoza and devoted club member Mbalenhle “Mbali” Sibanda, Bosso face the difficult task of returning to league action when they travel to Harare for Sunday’s Battle of the Cities clash against CAPS United at Rufaro Stadium.
The tragic road accident that claimed the four lives has plunged the club which is celebrating its centenary into mourning, with messages of sympathy continuing to pour in from across the country. The deaths of the three executive members has left a huge void in the Highlanders leadership, while the passing of Sibanda robbed the club of one of its most passionate and loyal supporters.
Although football resumes this weekend, emotions are still bad as players, officials and supporters continue to come to terms with one of the darkest chapters in Highlanders’ rich 100-year history.
The sombre mood has also been felt across Bulawayo, where Saturday’s city derby between Chicken Inn and Bulawayo Chiefs at Luveve Stadium will be played with the Bosso tragedy still fresh in everyone’s minds.
Chicken Inn have paid tribute to the late Highlanders leaders while urging their supporters to rally behind the team as they chase a fourth consecutive league victory and revenge for their first-round defeat to Bulawayo Chiefs.
“We are looking forward to the Bulawayo Derby against Bulawayo Chiefs this Saturday at Luveve Stadium. The boys are ready and the mood in camp is very positive after winning our last three matches. We urge the entire Gamecocks family to come in their numbers and rally behind the team because their support will be crucial.
“We lost the first leg, but we are confident that we can turn things around this time and get a positive result from the fixture.
“At the same time, we continue to mourn with our football family following the tragic loss of our big brothers from Highlanders FC. The late chairman, Retired Colonel Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Sifiso ‘Fiso’ Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza served our beautiful game of football so well. May their departed souls rest in peace,” read the Chicken Inn statement sent by its media team last night.
Elsewhere, defending champions Scottland face a tricky away assignment against Ngezi Platinum Stars, while GreenFuel entertain Dynamos. FC Platinum welcome MWOS, Simba Bhora host Herentals, Kwekwe United take on Bikita Minerals, Manica Diamonds face TelOne and Triangle United square off against ZPC Kariba as the battle for points intensifies. – FungaiMuderere.
