Sidumisile Mabena
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
HERENTALS coach Paul Benza says the pressure will not be on his side when they face Highlanders in this afternoon’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League showdown at Rufaro Stadium.
Despite enjoying a stronger start to the season than the Bulawayo giants, Benza insists the Students are still the underdogs heading into the highly anticipated clash.
Herentals go into the match sitting sixth on the table after a solid return from their opening nine matches, while Highlanders find themselves in an unfamiliar 12th place with 10 points from as many games.
On paper, current form may appear to tilt the scales towards the Harare-based side.
But Benza is not buying into that narrative.
For him, Highlanders remain Highlanders, a giant of Zimbabwean football whose stature alone demands respect regardless of league position.
“All games are difficult and Highlanders are playing good football despite not winning games. We don’t take anything away from them. However, we approach such games with no pressure as we will be carrying the underdog tag,” said Benza.
It is a statement that reflects both caution and confidence.
Benza knows his side has shown enough this season to compete, but he is also aware that facing Bosso often brings a different level of intensity.
Herentals have quietly built a reputation for being organised, disciplined and capable of frustrating bigger opponents. Their campaign so far has been marked by resilience, and another strong showing today could further cement their credentials as genuine contenders for a top-half finish.
Benza says his players are embracing the challenge.
“They have gone on very well and everyone is excited to play this challenging game,” he said.
While pleased with his team’s progress, the Herentals coach believes there is still room for improvement.
“I don’t complain much. The boys have done well on the pitch but I strongly believe they can do much better.”
That hunger for improvement could make Herentals even more dangerous.
For Highlanders, however, this encounter is about response.
Benjani Mwaruwari heads into this fixture looking for an immediate reaction after suffering his first defeat of the season at the hands of CAPS United last Sunday at Barbourfields Stadium.
That loss was a painful one for Bosso.
Not just because of the result, but because it exposed vulnerabilities that had been bubbling beneath the surface.
Now, with scrutiny mounting and expectations from the Bosso faithful as fierce as ever, Highlanders need to show character.
Their supporters will demand more urgency and a sharper cutting-edge.
A club of Highlanders’ stature is never comfortable lingering in the lower half of the table, and while the season is still young, every point matters.
Benjani will be hoping his men can quickly rediscover their rhythm and avoid back-to-back setbacks.
But this will be no stroll in the park.
Herentals have already shown they are no pushovers, and with the freedom that often comes from being labelled underdogs, they could prove tricky customers.
Online Reporter