Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
HIGHLANDERS will this Sunday step into Barbourfields Stadium hoping to finally break their winless run, but the numbers suggest that victory against ZPC Kariba is far from guaranteed.
At face value, this appears a more manageable assignment compared to the stiff tests Bosso have faced in the opening six weeks of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
Bosso have so far faced Dynamos, Simba Bhora, Scottland, Mwos, FC Platinum and a derby against Bulawayo Chiefs.
However, a closer look at the head-to-head record against ZPC Kariba tells a different story, one that underlines just how tricky ZPC Kariba have been over the years. Since their promotion to the top flight in 2014, ZPC Kariba have made 10 visits to Barbourfields, a venue regarded as Highlanders’ fortress.
Yet, dominance has eluded the Bulawayo giants. Of those 10 encounters, Highlanders have managed just four wins, while ZPC Kariba have claimed three victories, with the remaining three matches ending in draws.
It is a record that highlights a surprisingly even contest. Notably, only one of those draws ended goalless, pointing to generally open encounters between the two sides, a trend that may concern Highlanders given their recent struggles in front of goal.
Six matches into the current campaign, Bosso remain unbeaten but winless, having drawn all their games. Their latest outing, a goalless stalemate against Scottland FC on Easter Monday, further exposed their attacking frailties.
More alarmingly, Highlanders have now gone four consecutive matches without finding the back of the net, their worst scoring drought since May 2019. While their performances have often been encouraging, the lack of a clinical edge has turned promising displays into a string of frustrating results.
The statistics paint a conflicting picture: a team that is difficult to beat, yet equally unable to put matches to bed. For a club of Highlanders’ stature, the growing sense of impatience among supporters is understandable.
Captain Andrew Mbeba believes Sunday’s clash could mark a turning point.
“We thank the supporters for standing by us. This could be our turnaround if we get a win. I encourage them to come in their numbers and rally behind the team,” he said.
ZPC Kariba, presently sitting 10th on the table, have had a mixed start to the season with two wins, two draws and two defeats. While not particularly dominant, they have shown enough resilience to suggest they will not simply roll over at Barbourfields.
For Highlanders, the pressure is mounting. Head coach Benjani Mwaruwari, who is overseeing a rebuilding process alongside assistants Mkhokheli Dube and Bekithemba Ndlovu, is still searching for his first league victory after six attempts.
There have, however, been signs of progress off the pitch. The club is reportedly set to bolster its technical department with the addition of performance analyst Culvin Mavhunga, a move aimed at providing data-driven insights to improve match preparation and execution. Such support could prove crucial as Mwaruwari looks to fine-tune a side that has shown flashes of brilliance without delivering results.
Despite their struggles, Highlanders have played attractive, flowing football, but as the old adage goes, style without substance counts for little. Their campaign so far has been a case of doing much right, yet failing where it matters most. Sunday’s fixture, therefore, represents more than just another opportunity for three points.
It is a test of character, composure and cutting edge. Against a ZPC Kariba side with a proven record of upsetting the odds at Barbourfields, Highlanders will need more than just home support to finally get over the line.
