Innocent Kurira At Barbourfields Stadium
Highlanders 2-2 TelOne
IT was supposed to be the perfect farewell, a home victory to send Highlanders into the Chibuku Super Cup final with confidence and give their supporters one last memorable afternoon at Barbourfields Stadium this season.
But TelOne had other ideas.
The Gweru side spoiled the occasion by holding Bosso to a 2-2 draw in their final home match of the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season yesterday.
Highlanders went into the match without head coach Benjani Mwaruwari, who is in Nigeria on unspecified business, while midfielder Mongameli Tshuma and goalkeeper Aron Ngwenya were also unavailable because of national team commitments.
Despite that, Bosso had hoped to give their supporters a winning send-off after appealing to them to come in their numbers.
The faithful responded, turning up at Barbourfields and creating an atmosphere befitting the occasion. What they wanted in return was a victory that would provide the perfect build-up to the
Chibuku Super Cup final against Hardrock on 28 November.
Instead, Highlanders had to settle for their 18th league draw in 33 matches, taking their points tally to 45.
TelOne, already condemned to Division One alongside Triangle United and Manica Diamonds, showed that relegation had not taken away their competitive spirit.
The visitors took the lead in the 17th minute through Johannes Mabwe, who found himself unmarked inside the box before curling the ball beyond Highlanders goalkeeper Reward Muza.
Bosso struggled to find a response before the break, with the visitors taking their advantage into half-time.
Highlanders defender Andrew Mbeba also had a nervous moment when he almost turned a dangerous low cross into his own net while attempting to clear with his head.
TelOne coach Joel Luphahla was booked for unsportsmanlike behaviour after protesting to the fourth official over what he felt was an overlooked rough challenge on one of his players.
Highlanders eventually restored parity in the 70th minute when Isaac Ngoma converted from the penalty spot, giving the home supporters renewed hope.
Ngoma went on to complete his brace, scoring Highlanders’ second goal to bring the hosts level at 2-2 and rescue a point from the encounter.
The draw denied Highlanders the victory they had hoped would provide a springboard into the cup final, but Ngoma’s contribution ensured the home supporters had something to celebrate.
Despite the disappointment of not collecting maximum points, the supporters remained behind their team. Light showers during the closing stages did little to dampen the atmosphere, with fans continuing to sing after the final whistle and even taking selfies with the players. Mkhokheli Dube, who addressed the media in Mwaruwari’s absence, appreciated the supporters’ continued belief in the team.
“Coach is away in Nigeria. Fans are still singing up there which shows the supporters believe in the character the players showed,” said Dube.
TelOne coach Joel Luphahla said his players had drawn motivation from their relegation status.
“Coming here having been relegated motivated the guys,” he said.
For Highlanders, the league curtain has now come down at Barbourfields, but the season still has one major chapter to be written.
The Chibuku Super Cup final against Hardrock on 28 November offers Bosso an opportunity to turn the disappointment of an imperfect home farewell into a memorable centenary celebration.
The perfect ending at Barbourfields did not materialise. The biggest opportunity to deliver one for their supporters, however, remains.
