Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS coach Benjani Mwaruwari has urged his charges to brace for a fierce battle when they face MWOS in a potentially explosive Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
With a place in the last four at stake, Mwaruwari knows his side cannot afford to be casual as Bosso return to cup action in front of what is expected to be a sizeable home crowd.
“We are ready to fight,” declared Mwaruwari, as the Bulawayo giants prepare for a contest in which determination could prove just as important as quality.
Highlanders will be looking to turn their home advantage into a winning formula after being held to a goalless draw by Triangle United in their last league assignment at Gibbo Stadium.
The stalemate was played without the influential Mongameli Tshuma and veteran Kudakwashe “Nkembe” Mahachi, who both sat out after accumulating three yellow cards.
Their return provides Mwaruwari with a significant boost ahead of the MWOS showdown, with the duo expected to add creativity, energy and attacking flair to a Highlanders side eager to make progress in the league’s premier knockout competition.
The Chibuku Super Cup has traditionally provided a platform for unexpected results and high-stakes encounters, and tomorrow’s meeting in Bulawayo carries all the ingredients of another intriguing cup tie.
MWOS, however, will not be travelling to Barbourfields merely to make up the numbers. They will be determined to upset the home side and secure their own passage into the semi-finals.
For Highlanders, the challenge will be to combine the intensity of knockout football with the discipline required to navigate a one-off contest.
Mwaruwari’s return to the dugout has brought renewed expectations among the Bosso faithful, and today’s match offers another opportunity for his charges to deliver a performance that matches the occasion.
Elsewhere, Dynamos will face FC Hunters at Rufaro Stadium.
The remaining quarter-final will see league champions Scottland FC take on Hardrock FC on Wednesday, September 16 at Rufaro Stadium.
That match was postponed to accommodate Scottland’s Caf Champions League commitments. The champions were focused on their preliminary-round second leg against Eswatini outfit Nsingizini FC away from home.
But in Bulawayo, attention is firmly fixed on Barbourfields, where Highlanders and MWOS will fight for one of the coveted semi-final places.
For Bosso, the message from their coach is clear, the time for talking is over. They are ready to fight.
Meanwhile, CAPS United enhanced their reputation as the Cup Kings after beating ZPC Kariba 4-2 on penalties to reach the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.
The match ended 1-1 after regulation time following second-half goals from Malvern Whata and Lloyd Njaliwa.
Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final fixtures
Today
Dynamos FC vs FC Hunters (Rufaro Stadium, 3pm), Highlanders FC vs MWOS FC (Barbourfields Stadium, 3pm).
Wednesday, September 16
Scottland FC vs Hardrock FC (Rufaro Stadium, 3pm). — @FungaiMuderere.
