Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
MONEYBAGS Scottland FC flew into Bulawayo yesterday evening, dressed to impress and brimming with confidence ahead of today’s Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final match against Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium.
The Harare outfit’s grand arrival set the tone for a fixture already rich with sub-plots, not least the return of two ex-Bosso favourites, defender Peter Muduhwa and crowd pleaser Mafios “Baby Quantum” Chihweta.
The travelling team cut a striking figure as they walked in unison through Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport, their presence sparking talk of drama and a touch of theatre at Emagumeni this afternoon.
“It is certainly going to be Armageddon at Emagumeni, a hell in cell football environment that Highlanders followers will naturally make it sure the Scotts will not get a positive result on a silver platter with a golden spoon,” said visiting team manager Tawanda Chidzidzi, bristling with intent.
Highlanders coach Hendrik Pieter de Jongh, who lifted this trophy with Bosso in 2019, welcomed the challenge.
“We are going to give a fight. We need to win this match and give our fans something to celebrate. It’s a big cup match for us. Everyone is ready to go and we will need to fight as a unit,” he said.
Bosso’s hopes will rest on the calm hands of veteran goalkeeper and captain Ariel “Mangoye” Sibanda, the guile of Arthur Ndlovu and Melikhaya Ncube, the industry of Never Rauzhi and Brian Mlotshwa, and the spark of 19-year-old Nigerian striker Benjamin Oluwarotimi Adeogun, who joined on loan from Gwanda Pirates.
Scottland, however, boast a star-studded cast of their own. Knowledge and Walter Musona headline a unit that also includes Khama Billiat, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Tymon Machope, Muduhwa, Godknows Murwira and Mthokozisi Msebe. With so much firepower on either side, Barbourfields is expected to be packed to the rafters. The Chibuku Cup clash is one neither club can afford to lose, promising a spectacle for the city’s football faithful.
In another quarter-final set for this afternoon, Bikita Minerals face Premier Soccer League newcomers MWOS at Gibo Stadium.
Today’s Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final fixtures
Bikita Minerals v MWOS (Gibo Stadium)
Highlanders v Scottland (Barbourfields Stadium). — @FungaiMuderere.
