Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
PIETER de Jongh, the last man to guide Highlanders to a major trophy, is back on the touchline for the club’s Chibuku Super Cup campaign. Six years after a victorious run that culminated in the 2019 final, the Dutch manager returns to the competition that brought a rare moment of glory to the club.
However, the circumstances are vastly different this time. While the 2019 triumph restored faith in the club’s direction, silverware is not the priority now. The team is still fighting to secure their place in the top-flight, with the threat of relegation looming.
De Jongh, who has overseen two league matches since his re-appointment, has collected a solid four points, yet Highlanders remain in the bottom half of the table. For the Dutch boss, the goal is clear.
“It is not about me. It is about the club, for the fans,” he said. He insisted that survival takes precedence over any cup aspirations.
“The most important thing is to reach 40 points, which guarantees us safety. We have seven games to do that,” he explained.
Despite the league struggles, the Chibuku Cup offers a welcome distraction and a chance for a much-needed morale boost. The last time the club tasted victory was six years ago under De Jongh’s guidance, a 1-0 win over Ngezi Platinum in the 2019 final.
Highlanders will face Herentals, and De Jongh is under no illusions about the challenge ahead. The team travelled to Kariba on Thursday evening after two training sessions. A light session is planned for Saturday ahead of Sunday’s 3pm kick-off.
Squad availability remains a concern, with De Jongh confirming several injuries.
“We have injuries. We need to get updates from the medical staff. What I can say is that not every player is available. We have three or four injuries,” he stated.
Meanwhile, in another rescheduled Chibuku Super Cup encounter this afternoon, Chicken Inn will take on ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga Stadium. Both teams will be hoping to finish the season with some silverware as their league title hopes have faded.
Chibuku Super Cup Fixtures
Saturday: ZPC Kariba v Chicken Inn
Sunday: Herentals v Highlanders
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