Vusumuzi Dube
THE much-anticipated matchday for probably the biggest match in the Castle Lager Premiership for Bulawayo in the first third has come, with the city’s usually bustling streets still sleepy ahead of big matches.
Six hours before the match, the hype is yet to pick up.
Highlanders take on Scottland in a winners’ take all clash at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
It could now turn to be the biggest clash in the land with both teams having drawn very good crowds in their opening three matches.
Whoever wins the clash will have defended his city, grabbed bragging rights and the priceless three points.
Even at their worst, Highlanders have often stood up to defend their pride against big teams.
Scottland, with barely a year in football, has raised a lot of eyebrows with the manner in which it has gone about its business on the transfer market and has had some commercial partners come on board.
Can all the vibe around them pass the vociferous Barbourfields pro-Highlanders fanfare? Great players before have alluded to the difficulty at facing the fans and a determined Bosso at Emagumeni.
It will be a battle of wits between Kelvin Kaindu the Highlanders gaffer and league championship-winning Tonderai Ndiraya who won the title last year before joining the Northern Region champions Scottland.
On paper the die looks cast Scottland’s way given the resources and incentives at their disposal and what they grabbed on the transfer market, landing the signatures of some of the best players on the local scene, Talbert Shumba, Tymon Machope, Peter Muduhwa, last year’s top goalscorers, Zimbabwe Footballer of the Year Walter Musona and talisman Khama Billiat.
While teaming with so much talent, Highlanders have a bunch of players who could take Sunday’s afternoon match to shake off the nearly-man tag.
For long they played under the shadows of the departed quartet of Marvellous Chigumira, Godfrey Makaruse, Muduhwa and Chikukwa, could this be the day they take their place under the sun before an appreciative Barbourfields and Zimbabwe audience.
Arthur Ndlovu, Marlvin Hativagone, Andrew Mbeba, Melikhaya Ncube and Mason Mushore will be the players expected to rise to the occasion.
Our team from the Zimpapers Sports Hub will be giving live updates from Barbourfields
Let the better team win, no to violence
POPULAR soccer fan and once a fervent Caps United fan Chemhofela has called on fans to accept the result and promote a positive vibe at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Chemhofela is now with Scottland the new boys in the Premiership.
Scottland fans have invaded Bulawayo for the clash.
Tawanda Mudzengi another new arrival at Scottland as a fan, having ditched Dynamos, has predicted an outright win for his new team.
Exciting match predicted
A Member of Parliament Jabulani Hadebe has predicted an exciting match between Highlanders and Scottland at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
He said: “Scottland are well resourced and have bought good players.”
Khama Billiat, Walter Musona, Tyrone Machope and Peter Muduhwa are some of the big names bought by Scottland.
Experience on Bosso’s side
PRECIOUS Mudimba says experience will count to Highlanders’ favour when they face Scottland in a league match at Barnourfields Stadium this afternoon.
He acknowledges that they have brought a lot of excitement into the mix.
Highlanders are 99 years old yet Scottland were formed last year.
Fever Pitch: Bulawayo a buzz as Highlanders host Scottland
MOMENTUM is gathering in the Bulawayo Business District with Highlanders colours now visible in the streets two hours before kick off.
Highlanders play host to Scottland on Sunday afternoon in an eagerly awaited Castle Lager Premiership clash at Barbourfields.
Both teams have been playing to big crowds and the visitors may feature Lynoth Chikuhwa, Peter Muduhwa and Marvelous Chigumira who who were with Bosso last year.
Highlanders unveil 2025 squad ahead of Scottland clash
HIGHLANDERS has officially announced their 2025 squad after the lifting of the FIFA transfer ban that had previously prevented them from registering new players.
The ban, which was imposed due to outstanding payments owed to former head coach Brito and his assistant, was lifted after the debts were settled, allowing the club to strengthen its roster.
The newly registered players are expected to make their debut in Sunday’s s crucial Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against Scottland.
Among the new arrivals is defender Marlvern Hativagoni, who joins on a one-year loan deal from Bulawayo Chiefs. Hativagoni, a seasoned player with several caps for the Zimbabwe Warriors, previously played for Ngezi Platinum on loan and will add much-needed experience to Highlanders’ defense.
Striker Never Rauzhi is also set to return to Highlanders, despite interest from TelOne. Rauzhi, known for his speed and goal-scoring ability, has struggled with injuries since his initial move to Bosso last season. However, he is now fit and eager to rediscover his best form on the field.
Other new signings include winger Tendai Muvuti from Hwange FC, who previously played for Bulawayo Chiefs, and midfielder Hubert Ncube from ZPC Hwange. Muvuti is expected to add pace and creativity to the Bosso attack, while Ncube will bring energy and technical ability to the midfield. Striker Mbonisi Ncube, who has previously played in Botswana, is another exciting addition to the squad.
Bosso Squad
Goalkeepers
Ariel Sibanda, Raphael Pitisi, Reward Muza
Defenders
Mvelo Khoza, Talent Dube, Authur Ndlovu Musawenkosi Minhezi, Brian Mlothswa, Malvern Hativagoni, Andrew Mbeba, Gillain Nyathi, Achford Faira, Luckomore Mutumbi
Midfielders
McKinnon Mushore, Melikhaya Ncube, Prince Ndlovu, Tendai Muvuti, Marvin Sibanda, Mason Mushore, Darlington Mukuli, Hubert Ncube
Strikers
Reason Sibanda, Nigel Banda, Brighton Ncube, Never Rauzhi, Nqobile Ndlovu
FORMER Highlanders vice-captain, Peter Muduhwa has been given the captain’s armband by Scottland for their match-week four encounter against the Bulawayo giants at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
Muduhwa, who is the first vice-captain at Scottland, will lead the side in the absence of their skipper, Walter Musona who starts from the bench.
Goalkeeper, Nelson Chadya, midfielder, Tichaona Chipunza and winger Michale Tapera get their first starts for Scottland.
Musona and Billiat, who were with the Warriors start from the bench.
Lynoth Chikuhwa starts upfront for the visitors.
Bosso, on the other hand handed returning striker Never Rauzhi his first start as well. Rauzhi was recently registered by the Bulawayo giants after the lifting of the FIFA transfer ban.
Andrew Mbeba captains Highlanders with Raphael Pitisi starting in goals.
The two teams line up as follows:
Highlanders:
Raphael Pitisi (gk), Talent Dube, Arthur Ndlovu, Brian Mlotshwa, McKinnon Mushore, Melikhaya Ncube, Reason Sibanda, Brighton Ncube, Andrew Mbeba, Mason Mushore, Never Rauzhi.
Scottland:
Nelson Chadya (gk), Tichaona Chipunza, Michael Tapera, Peter Muduhwa, Gareth Madhake, Kevin Moyo, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Panashe Mutimbanyoka, Lynoth Chikuhwa, Vassili Kawe, Fredrick Botchway.
1’
0-0
We are underway at Barbourfields Stadium.
Bosso attack the Soweto End while Scottland attack the Mpilo End.
Bumper crowd in the offing at BF
Zimpapers Sports Hub
QUEUES outside Barbourfields Stadium five minutes into the Highlanders versus Scotland match at Barnourfields Stadium
6’
0-0
Mason Mushore sends in a brilliant cross from the left flank but Ronald Pfumbizai is well positioned to head away for a corner kick.
Nothing comes out of the corner kick.
11’
0-0
Michael Tapera dribbles past the Bosso defense but his attempt at goal goes over the bar
20’
0-0
Nil-all it remains at Barbourfields.
Lynoth Chikuhwa comes close to heading Scottland in front but his effort goes wide of goal
30’
0-0
At the half-hour mark, it’s still goalless at Barbourfields.
Tichaona Chipunza gets the first yellow card of the match for pulling down Brighton Ncube
Half Time at Barbourfields Stadium
Highlanders 0-0 Scottland
Cagey affair: Nil all at half time between Highlanders and Scottland
NOTHING separates Highlanders and Scottland at the break of their crunch Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter at Barbourfields Stadium.
Highlanders has been the better of the two sides but nothing has come out of their domination.
Bosso tried to get in in front as early as the second minute but Reason Sibanda’s effort from outside the box went over the bar, in what would be the order of the first stanza as both sides’ attempts were going above.
In the sixth minute, Mason Mushore sent in a brilliant cross from the left flank but Ronald Pfumbizai was well positioned to head away for a corner kick. Nothing came out of the set-piece.
Five minutes later, Michael Tapera dribbled past the Bosso defense but his attempt at goal went over the bar.
In the 20th minute, former Highlanders striker, now playing his trade for Scottland, Lynoth Chikuhwa found himself unmarked in the box but headed his effort wide off goal.
After a tight contest, the first booking of the match was received by Tichaona Chipunza who has given a yellow card for pulling down Bosso striker, Brighton Ncube at the half hour mark.
With two minutes remaining before the break, Bosso got another chance but McKinnon Mushore’s long range shot went over the bar.
It goes to the break nil-all.
46’
0-0
Second half resumes at Barbourfields Stadium.
No changes made at the break
Bosso, Scottland serve up a treat in Bulawayo’s football fiesta
Online Reporter
A lively fast half has lived up to the excitement generated by what was billed as an electrifying encounter between Highlanders and Scottland at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo on Sunday afternoon, with fans of the beautiful game turning out in their numbers for what already feels like one of the most significant fixtures on the football calendar.
In a football mad town, Scottland’s first encounter in the City of Kings has been highly anticipated, with bars, pubs and braai spots witnessing brisk business as hundreds started building up to the match at their leisure centres of choice.
55’
0-0
Scottland make the first change of the game with Mthokozisi Msebe replacing Frederick Botchway.
Moments later, Highlanders goalkeeper charges out of the penalty area and brings down a charging Michael Tapera. In what looked like a red-card offense, Pitisi gets a yellow.
58’
0-0
Bosso get a free kick in a promising position after Scottland were charged for a handling offense.
Andrew Mbeba steps up but sends his effort straight into the wall.
Highlanders FC goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi comes up with a double fist save
66’
0-0
Bosso make their first change.
Nqobile Ndlovu replaces McKinnon Mushore.
Scottland make two more changes with Khama Billiat coming in for Lynoth Chikuhwa while Walter Musona replaces Panashe Mutimbanyoka.
70’
0-0
A brilliant interchange of play from Bosso ends up with Mason Mushore getting an opportunity to break the deadlock but his effort goes wide.
78’
0-0
Bosso makes two more changes. Tendai Muvuti makes his debut as he comes in for Brighton Ncube while Archford Faira, returning from a lengthy injury, replaces Talent Dube.
81’
1-0
Andrew Mbeba sends Bosso in front with a stunning free kick from the right wing.
90’
1-1
Mthokozisi Msebe silences the Highlanders faithful with a header to level matters at the stroke of full-time.
Full Time at Barbourfields Stadium
Highlanders 1-1 Scottland
Scottland salvage a point from Bosso
Brandon Moyo at Barbourfields Stadium
A LAST minute header from Mthokozisi Msebe helped Scottland salvage a point from Highlanders as the two sides played to a one-all draw on Sunday afternoon.
Msebe headed home at the death to silence the Bosso faithful who thought they had collected maximum points.
Bosso broke the deadlock with nine minutes left on the clock through a stunning Andrew Mbeba free kick from the right wing.
For the second consecutive game, Bosso have given away a lead while Scottland managed to bounce back from a defeat against Ngezi Platinum Stars in their previous game.
With goals coming in late, the game was, however, a lukewarm affair.
Highlanders had a better start to the match but nothing came out of their domination.
Bosso tried to get in in front as early as the second minute but Reason Sibanda’s effort from outside the box went over the bar, in what would be the order of the first stanza as both sides’ attempts were going above.
In the sixth minute, Mason Mushore sent in a brilliant cross from the left flank but Ronald Pfumbizai was well positioned to head away for a corner kick. Nothing came out of the set-piece.
Five minutes later, Michael Tapera dribbled past the Bosso defense but his attempt at goal went over the bar.
In the 20th minute, former Highlanders striker, now plying his trade for Scottland, Lynoth Chikuhwa found himself unmarked in the box but headed his effort wide off goal.
After a tight contest, the first booking of the match was received by Tichaona Chipunza who has given a yellow card for pulling down Bosso striker, Brighton Ncube at the half hour mark.
With two minutes remaining before the break, Bosso got another chance but McKinnon Mushore’s long range shot went over the bar.
In the 46th minute, soon after the start of the second half, Rauzhi, after recovering a brilliant pass from Melikhaya Ncube managed to beat his marker outside the box but sent his effort over the bar.
Peter Muduhwa captained Scottland in place of Walter Musona who started from the bench.
Teams:
Highlanders:
Raphael Pitisi (gk), Talent Dube (Archford Faira, 78mins), Arthur Ndlovu, Brian Mlotshwa, McKinnon Mushore (Nqobile Ndlovu, 66mins), Melikhaya Ncube, Reason Sibanda, Brighton Ncube (Tendai Muvuti, 78mins),Andrew Mbeba, Mason Mushore, Never Rauzhi.
Scottland:
Nelson Chadya (gk), Tichaona Chipunza, Michael Tapera, Peter Muduhwa, Gareth Madhake, Kevin Moyo, Ronald Pfumbidzai (Kudzai Jason, 86mins),Panashe Mutimbanyoka (Walter Musona, 66mins), Lynoth Chikuhwa (Khama Billiat, 66mins), Vassili Kawe, (Nathan Mutasa, 86mins), Fredrick Botchway (Mthokozisi Msebe, 54 mins)
Online Reporter