Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
HIGHLANDERS coach Benjani Mwaruwari has praised his players for continuing to produce results despite weeks of salary-related disruptions that have affected preparations.
Bosso head into Sunday’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against Simba Bhora at Barbourfields Stadium as one of the league’s form teams. While performances and results have improved significantly, Mwaruwari says the players deserve credit for remaining focused amid difficult circumstances.
“The boys, despite not getting adequate training, come out and deliver on match day. I am grateful for their commitment, but the reality is they need to get paid. These are family men,” said Mwaruwari.
The Highlanders coach has every reason to be proud of his squad.
For weeks, players have had to contend with uncertainty over unpaid salaries, leading to interruptions in training as they withdrew their labour. Yet when match day arrived, they continued to perform.
After winning just one of their first 10 league matches, Highlanders have staged an impressive turnaround. They have collected 21 points from their last 10 outings, a tally bettered only by league leaders Scottland, and now sit sixth on the table with 32 points.
This week also brought some relief for Mwaruwari, who finally had a full week of uninterrupted training ahead of Sunday’s encounter.
In his usual light-hearted manner, the former Warriors striker joked that perhaps too much training could upset the formula, given how his side have continued to pick up results despite spending little time together on the training ground.
Behind the humour, however, lies admiration for a group of players who have shown remarkable character during one of the toughest periods in the club’s recent history.
Highlanders were also boosted by the presence of Warriors midfielder Mongameli Tshuma in training amid growing speculation about his future.
CAPS United have reportedly submitted an official offer for the 24-year-old, while FC Hunters are also believed to be interested. Highlanders are understood to be holding firm on their valuation, with sources indicating that the club will only consider offers of at least US$200 000.
For now, though, the focus remains on Simba Bhora.
The Shamva-based side have often proved difficult opponents for Bosso. Since their promotion to the top flight, Simba Bhora have won three of the seven league meetings between the two clubs. Highlanders have managed one victory, while three matches have ended in draws.
Despite that record, Simba Bhora coach Mandla Mpofu believes Highlanders have found their rhythm under Mwaruwari.
“It is a tough task for us. I think they have found some rhythm. Despite some challenges there, they are playing well and it won’t be easy,” said Mpofu.
Simba Bhora travel to Bulawayo seeking a response following last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to FC Hunters.
“We are trying to find consistency. We don’t want to lose the match, but we are preparing well. We must redeem ourselves. We believe we can rise to the occasion and we will give it everything we have,” Mpofu said.
The former Highlanders assistant coach said his team must show character if they are to leave Barbourfields with a positive result.
“We are working on our character and fighting spirit. That is what we want to see from the team. We want to give our best on Sunday. We know what this fixture means and we understand the challenge that awaits us. Playing Highlanders at Barbourfields is never easy because they always enjoy strong support, but these are the matches that test your character.
“We have been working hard during the week, correcting our mistakes and preparing the players mentally. The important thing is for us to stay disciplined, remain competitive throughout the game and fight for every ball. If we do that, we give ourselves a chance of getting a positive result.”
For Mpofu and his assistant Philani Mabhena, Sunday’s fixture also marks a return to familiar surroundings after previously serving on the Highlanders technical bench.
For Bosso, however, the bigger story goes beyond Sunday’s result.
Mwaruwari has managed to steady the ship and guide the team up the table despite challenges off the field. His players have held up their end of the bargain, delivering performances and results when circumstances could easily have derailed their season.
Now, as Highlanders look to build on their resurgence, the coach’s message is clear: the players have done their job. The club must do theirs.
