Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
WHEN the whistle blows at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow, Highlanders players will chase every ball, throw themselves into every tackle and give everything to stop league leaders Scottland.
Not because there is a winning bonus waiting for them.
Not because there is any financial incentive.
But because they are playing for the badge.
It is a painful reality that has defined Bosso’s season. Behind the improved performances under coach Benjani
Mwaruwari lies a dressing room that has endured months of financial uncertainty, missed salaries and the emotional strain of reporting for duty with little assurance of when things will improve.
Yet the players have chosen to carry on.
Speaking to Television Sports Media, captain Darlington Mukuli said the squad has reached a point where football must come first, even as they continue to hope for better days.
“We have come to the realisation that boycotts before matches don’t help. We are just hoping our sponsors come to the rescue. The environment has been tough in the last months,” said Mukuli.
“We appeal to our sponsors to help. It affects us as players to go into games without training because it puts us at injury risk.”
His words paint the picture of a squad caught between professional responsibility and personal hardship.
For star midfielder Mongameli Tshuma, the struggle extends beyond the football pitch.
“We are pushing as a team and we want to win the next game. It’s difficult to go for months without getting paid and we still come and perform on the field of play. However, it’s good that we have a coach who continues to push us.
“We are going through a lot. We are appealing to our sponsors to help.”
Defender Noah Chinyerere admits the burden is heavy, but says the players refuse to let it define them.
“The situation is very hard but at the end of the day the job on the field has to be done.”
Perhaps the most poignant words come from Andrew Mbeba, who says the motivation has shifted from financial reward to something far deeper.
“The situation has not been good for us. For us it’s more about playing for the badge than any incentive. We know there is nothing for us, no incentives.”
Those words will resonate with thousands of Bosso supporters who are expected to pack Barbourfields tomorrow.
Standing in Highlanders’ way is a formidable Scottland side that has not conceded a league goal in nine matches.
Norman Mapeza’s men have built their title challenge on discipline, experience and an almost impenetrable defence.
But if there is one thing Highlanders have shown this season, it is that adversity has not broken their spirit.
Benjani has repeatedly praised his players’ professionalism and has now called on the Bosso faithful to match that commitment from the stands. “We all know Scottland is a good team and they have quality everywhere. Coming back to us, we have been playing well but failing to turn the performances into victories. We hope to do better on Sunday.
“Our supporters are very passionate and on Sunday they must come in their numbers like they always do to rally behind the team. Football is played for 90 minutes and we expect them to support the team for 90 minutes.”
Tomorrow, Highlanders will be chasing three points against the defending champions.
But for a group of players who have continued to train, compete and wear the famous black-and-white jersey despite months of uncertainty, the fight is about something much bigger.
It is about pride.
Tomorrow promises to be an emotionally charged day for the Highlanders family. As members gather in the morning to deliberate on the club’s future, the players will spend the afternoon carrying its present on their shoulders. For a squad that has spoken candidly about months of financial hardship, the Scottland clash offers another chance to repay the unwavering support of the Bosso faithful with the only currency they can afford: commitment on the pitch.
Matchday 23 Fixtures
Today: Bulawayo Chiefs v FC Platinum (Luveve Stadium), Telone v ZPC Kariba (Ascot Stadium), FC Hunters v Chicken Inn (Heart Stadium), MWOS v Agama (Ngoni Stadium), Manica Diamonds v CAPS United (Sakubva Stadium).
Tomorrow: Hardrock v Triangle (Chahwanda Stadium), Highlanders v Scottland (Barbourfields Stadium) Dynamos v Simba Bhora (Rufaro Stadium).
