Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
DUTCHMAN Pieter de Jongh is back at Highlanders, and this time, his mission is clear and urgent: to save the club from relegation. With the team sitting precariously in ninth place with 32 points, De Jongh has a mere eight games to ensure their Premier League survival.
De Jongh’s return, following a memorable 2019 season where he guided the team to a Chibuku Super Cup victory, is a source of both hope and intrigue for the club’s faithful. Despite his controversial departure for FC Platinum, he insists his love for the club is unwavering.
“Everyone knows I love the club. I need to help the club. That I am here shows I am open for a longer future,” he stated.
The coach has a simple target to achieve his goal: eight points from the remaining eight fixtures.
“If we get to 40 points, we are safe. That is my target,” he declared. The first test comes tomorrow against Yadah, a team that sits just four points behind them and is also fighting to stay out of the relegation zone.
Reflecting on his time away, De Jongh believes the local football scene has improved.
“I think football in general has improved here. There are some ambitious teams in the top-flight league . . . That’s good for the league and Zimbabwean football in general,” he observed.
With a tight relegation battle looming — 11 teams are still at risk — the stakes are higher than ever. De Jongh has called on the fans to play their part in the crucial match against Yadah.
“It’s a home game and I have a big request for the great Bosso fans: to come to the stadium in numbers, to behave and support the team. We need a full house,” he urged.
The outcome of this match at Barbourfields Stadium could very well define the rest of their season.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League
Fixtures
Today
Bikita Minerals v TelOne (Gibbo), Ngezi Platinum v FC Platinum (Baobab), Scottland v Dynamos (Rufaro), Greenfuel v Simba Bhora (Greenfuel Arena), MWOS v Chicken Inn (Ngoni)
Tomorrow
Highlanders v Yadah (Barbourfields), CAPS United v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro), Triangle v Herentals (Gibbo), Kwekwe United v Manica Diamonds (Ascot)
derick.khumalo