Sundaymail Editor
Sunday Mail Online
AFTER extending his contract with Highlanders to 2024, highly rated utility player Godfrey “Godera” Makaruse is now focused on helping his side to both league and the Chibuku Super Cup success.
Makaruse was part of the Highlanders side that won the 2019 Chibuku Super Cup under Pieter De Jongh, and is craving for another medal as the giants prepare for a quarterfinal clash against an ambitious Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields on Sunday.
The 25-year-old is one of the players who have excelled since the arrival of Brazilian coach Brito in June.
The veteran gaffer has turned Makaruse from a midfielder into a roving wing-back, and the player has repaid the coach with some outstanding performances.
Highlanders are unbeaten in seven league matches and have won their last three.
The result has seen Bosso steadily rise from mid-table to fourth.
They have 44 points, three ahead of fifth-placed Herentals, going into the last seven matches of the 2021/2022 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
The Bulawayo giants are also still in contention for this year’s Chibuku Super Cup after beating Triangle United in the round-of-16 to book a date against ambitious Bulawayo Chiefs in the quarterfinal.
And Makaruse – who broke into the first team in 2014, and is one of the longest-serving players at Bosso – feels the Bulawayo giants could have a say in the destiny of the Chibuku Super Cup.
“I extended my contract yesterday (Monday), and I am happy at Highlanders because we are a team whose future looks bright,” said Makaruse.
“Every player wants to win more trophies and medals, and I am convinced we will do it. As a team, we are focused on doing well in the Chibuku Super Cup.
“As you know, our chances of clinching the league title are next to none, so our only hope of silverware is the Chibuku Super Cup.”
Highlanders are 14 points behind runaway log leaders FC Platinum.
They now only have a realistic chance of finishing among the top four.
“We still have to push in the league,” he says.
“If we can push to finish in the top four, it will be nice, but a top three is also achievable given the number of games left in the league.”
He is enjoying his game since switching to a wing-back.
“I am enjoying my game as a wing-back because the coach’s strategy is fine with me. I am just doing what he wants and results are coming.”
Chibuku Super Cup quarterfinal fixtures
Saturday
Herentals v Manica Diamonds (National Sports Stadium)
Sunday
Black Rhinos v Chicken Inn (Vengere), Dynamos v FC Platinum (National Sports Stadium), Highlanders v Bulawayo Chiefs (Barbourfields)
Online Reporter