Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
HIGHLANDERS coach Benjani Mwaruwari believes their Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final clash against MWOS at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday has come at the ideal time, with morale in the Bosso camp at a season-high.
The match presents Highlanders’ last realistic opportunity to secure major silverware this season, and Mwaruwari hopes the positive atmosphere around the club will inspire his side to book a place in the semi-finals.
MWOS, however, are unlikely to make life easy for the Bulawayo giants, with the knockout nature of the competition leaving little margin for error.
For Mwaruwari, confidence generated by a productive week of training, the unveiling of Highlanders’ new kit and renewed support from businessman Wicknell Chivayo has helped create an environment he believes can work in Bosso’s favour.
“A cup game is always difficult because it’s no one’s game. This game comes at a time when the motivation is high. The morale in camp is high. We just released our new kits and Chivayo has also come in to support. The boys’ morale at training is perfect. It’s an atmosphere any coach wants.
“They are training with happy smiles and a positive attitude. They are singing, celebrating goals and training. It was a perfect week of training,” said Mwaruwari.
The Highlanders coach understands the significance of Sunday’s encounter, particularly with the league title now beyond their reach.
The Chibuku Super Cup therefore offers Bosso their clearest remaining path to silverware, something Mwaruwari believes should further motivate his players.
“It’s a cup game, we are preparing well. It’s also another motivation that this is our last chance at getting any silverware this season. We know we are not going to win the league, but Chibuku is the only cup we can win and this game has come at the right time when the morale is high and the motivation is coming from everywhere around the club.”
Highlanders will also welcome back midfield dynamo Mongameli Tshuma and winger Kudakwashe Mahachi, who missed last weekend’s goalless league draw against Triangle United at Gibbo Stadium through suspension.
Their return could provide a significant boost to a side that will be counting on strong backing from the Barbourfields faithful.
Tshuma and Mahachi have been among Highlanders’ standout performers this season.
With both players back in contention, Bosso will be looking to make home advantage count against an MWOS side that has shown it cannot be underestimated.
The Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals get underway tomorrow when CAPS United take on ZPC Kariba at Rufaro Stadium, with both teams aware that defeat would end their hopes of lifting the trophy.
On Sunday, Dynamos will face FC Hunters at Rufaro Stadium.
The Highlanders-MWOS clash is expected to draw a huge crowd in Bulawayo, with Bosso supporters likely to turn out in large numbers for what could be a defining match in Mwaruwari’s first season in charge.
While three quarter-final ties will be decided this weekend, the heavyweight encounter between Scottland FC and Hardrock FC has been postponed to next Wednesday.
Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final fixtures
Tomorrow: CAPS United FC v ZPC Kariba FC — Rufaro Stadium (3PM).
Sunday: Dynamos FC v FC Hunters — Rufaro Stadium (3PM).
Highlanders FC v MWOS FC — Barbourfields Stadium (3PM).
Wednesday, September 16
Scottland FC v Hardrock FC — Rufaro Stadium.
