Highlanders seek redemption

AS Kwekwe United gear up for their daunting trip to Barbourfields Stadium to face Highlanders on Sunday afternoon, coach Saul Chaminuka is praying his youthful squad can hold their nerve under the pressure of a fierce home crowd.

The clash promises to be a pivotal moment for both teams, with contrasting fortunes shaping the narrative ahead of the encounter.

Highlanders enter the match on the back of a disappointing 1-0 loss to MWOS FC in their season opener, a result that has raised concerns among their supporters.

In stark contrast, Kwekwe United impressed on their top-flight debut with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Ngezi Platinum, a result that has instilled confidence in Chaminuka’s side.

However, the task awaiting them in Bulawayo is daunting.

Barbourfields is a fortress for the Bulawayo giants and Chaminuka is aware of the psychological challenge his team faces.

“I think the important thing going into the game on Sunday is for us to avoid panicking. Barbourfields is not an easy place to go but we are trying to prepare the team for the task ahead. I believe we have prepared well. Our target is to survive relegation, and we want to pick as many points as possible early on in the season.”

While Kwekwe United’s focus is on survival, Highlanders are hoping to recover from their opening defeat and showcase the grit needed for a successful season.

Coach Kelvin Kaindu, though aware of the team’s financial challenges and limited transfer activity, has placed his trust in the unwavering support of the Highlanders fans this season.

The club’s fanbase is known for creating an electric atmosphere at Barbourfields and Kaindu is confident it can make a difference in their pursuit of success.

Highlanders will be pinning their hopes on Fifa lifting their transfer ban in time for them to register their new players for this game.

Bosso intends to strengthen their squad with several new signings once the Fifa transfer ban is lifted. The ban, which had restricted the club to a registered squad of just 17 players, was imposed after the club failed to settle a debt of US$27 000 owed to former coaches Baltemar Brito and Antonio Joao Torres.

However, following a generous intervention by businessman Wicknell Chivayo, the debt has now been cleared and Highlanders are awaiting clearance from Fifa to register their new players. They have a March 31 deadline to beat as the window closes on that day.

The new names Bosso will be hoping to get into their books include defender Malvern Hativagoni, who will join Highlanders on a one-year loan deal from Bulawayo Chiefs, striker Never Rauzhi who will also return to Highlanders from Bulawayo Chiefs despite interest from TelOne. Winger Tendai Muvuti, formerly of Hwange FC and Bulawayo Chiefs is another new players. The other additions will be midfielders Hubert Ncube from ZPC Hwange and Mafious Chiweta from Ajax Hotspurs.

These new signings are expected to significantly improve the depth and strength of Highlanders’ squad. — @innocentsksizoe