Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
MATCH DAY 24 ushers in a pivotal phase in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, as clubs brace for the final stretch of the season amid a whirlwind of mid-season changes, new signings, and fresh faces in the technical areas.
The stakes are rising, and for some teams, the pressure is already palpable.
At Barbourfields Stadium this Sunday, Highlanders prepare to host Ngezi Platinum Stars in a fixture that promises both drama and intensity.
Off the pitch, however, the club finds itself mired in uncertainty. Interim coach Barbourfields Stadium addressed the media on Thursday but refused to confirm or deny reports that Dutchman Hendrick Pieter de Jongh has returned to take charge.
De Jongh was spotted in the stands during Highlanders’ last outing and is believed to have met with the technical team, yet the club has remained silent on his official status.
The confusion deepened when former spokesperson Nozibelo Maphosa, who resigned the same day, disclosed that acting CEO Kindman Ndlovu was unavailable to clarify the situation, leaving fans and pundits alike in the dark.
On the field, Highlanders’ form has been far from convincing. Under Ncube, they have secured just one win in six matches — a narrow home victory over GreenFuel — while suffering defeats to CAPS United, Scotland, and MWOS, and settling for draws against Triangle and Kwekwe United.
Their inability to convert chances remains a glaring issue, a fact Ncube himself has acknowledged.
The team will be without Captain Andrew Mbeba this weekend due to injury, and the availability of Hubert Ncube, Mvelo Khoza, and Darlington Mukuli remains uncertain pending late fitness tests.
In a bid to bolster their squad, Highlanders secured the services of Nigerian striker Benjamin Oluwarotimi Adeogun on loan from Gwanda Pirates, along with midfielders Learnmore Muyambo and Martin Nhubu, the latter formerly of Ngezi Platinum.
Although Nhubu has been training with the team, the club has yet to formally announce his signing.
With relegation looming just four points away, Highlanders are in desperate need of a turnaround, and a clash against Ngezi Platinum Stars offers a high-stakes opportunity to spark a revival.
Meanwhile, in Harare, Dynamos find themselves in full-blown crisis mode. Anchored in the relegation zone with a meagre 16 points from 23 games, the club has turned to in a last-ditch effort to salvage their season.
The Zambian tactician becomes the third man to take the reins this campaign, following the unsuccessful tenures of Lloyd Chigowe and Saul Chaminuka. Although Kaindu is expected to be on the touchline this weekend, his work permit was still being processed as of Thursday.
In a bold move to reignite the squad’s fighting spirit, Dynamos have reportedly increased match-winning bonuses by over 300 percent and enlisted a team of psychologists to address the players’ mental resilience.
Their upcoming fixture against MWOS at Rufaro Stadium is more than just a match — it is a litmus test of the club’s resolve to avoid the ignominy of relegation.
Elsewhere, a heavyweight clash is set to unfold at Mandava Stadium, where FC Platinum host a resurgent Scottland side.
Scottland have been among the most active clubs in the mid-season transfer window, adding marquee names such as Knowledge Musona, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Khuda Muyaba, Moses Shidolo, and most recently, Mafious Chihweta from Highlanders.
The stakes are high, with Scotland currently leading the table on 43 points and holding a game in hand. A win for FC Platinum would see them draw level on points, setting the stage for a thrilling title race as the season enters its decisive phase.
Match Day 24 Fixtures
Saturday
TelOne vs Manica Diamonds (Ascot Stadium), Simba Bhora vs Chicken Inn (Wadzanayi Stadium), Dynamos vs MWOS (Rufaro Stadium), ZPC Kariba vs GreenFuel (Nyamhunga Stadium) FC Platinum vs Scottland (Mandava Stadium) Yadah vs Triangle (Heart Stadium)
Sunday
Herentals vs Kwekwe United (Rufaro Stadium) Bikita Minerals vs CAPS United (Gibbo Stadium)
Highlanders vs Ngezi Platinum Stars (Barbourfields Stadium)
