Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Soccer Star of the Year, Stewart “Shutto” Murisa, was one of the first players to play for Zimbabwe’s biggest three teams — CAPS United, Dynamos and Highlanders.
Murisa won the league championship and Murisa backs Benjani the Soccer Star of the Year award with Makepekepe in 1996 before joining DeMbare at the turn of the new millennium.
A stint with Highlanders would follow and it was at Bosso where Murisa forged a memorable strike partnership with the late Adam “Adamski” Ndlovu. He might have won accolades and a number of trophies at CAPS United but Murisa has a soft spot for Highlanders.
“I enjoyed some of my best years in Bulawayo,” Murisa says. “I can safely say I have a soft spot for Bosso and I closely follow this team.”
Now based in the United Kingdom, Murisa has been following the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League and has been impressed with Highlanders’ style of play under Benjani Mwaruwari.
Bosso might be winless in their opening six matches but Murisa has urged the club’s executive to give Mwaruwari “more time.”
The Bulawayo giants remain unbeaten but they are also winless. They have registered six points out of a possible 18 and currently sit on 12th position on the log. Their biggest rivals CAPS United and Dynamos are first and second on the standings.
“It’s too early to dwell much on the log standings. Besides people should look at the kind of fixture Bosso have had in their opening matches.
“Bosso have had some tough matches.
“They played Bulawayo Chiefs in a Bulawayo derby, they also played Dynamos and defending champions Scottland, as well as former champions FC Platinum. They have also played against 2024 champions Simba Bhora and last season’s runners-up MWOS. So the fixture list has not been kind to them,” reasoned Murisa.
Highlanders’ latest draw came against defending champions Scottland at Rufaro on Easter Monday.
They created a lot of chances but their lack of precision in front of goal cost them.
The gamed ended goalless and some sections of the Bosso faithful were not happy with coach Mwaruwari. But, Murisa feels the former Warriors captain is cooking “something big” and believes Bosso will be difficult to stop once they start winning.
“I follow Highlanders keenly and I can tell you that this season I have watched five of their six opening games. But I am worried with the way some people are treating coach Mwaruwari.
“I know he came in as someone who was imposed by Wicknell Chivhayo but he should not be judged from that angle. The fact that the club executive agreed to this arrangement means they have to live with it. Benjie is doing a good job at Highlanders, and I feel he should be given all the support.
“Against Scottland last weekend Bosso created a lot of good chances and their passing was good.
“I am sure the day Highlanders start winning they will be difficult to stop,” Murisa told Zimpapers Sports Hub. Highlanders will host ZPC Kariba at Barbourfields on Sunday hoping for their first league win.
