Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira and Langton Nyakwenda
ZIMBABWE’S Warriors ended months of inactivity that had followed their early exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco when they engaged Highlanders in a warm-up match before a huge crowd at Barbourfields yesterday.
The Warriors are preparing for the Mukuru Four-Nations tournament in Francistown, Botswana at the weekend where they will open their account with a semi-final clash against the hosts.
Despite yesterday’s match ending goalless, both the Warriiors and Bosso camps were left satisfied.
ZIFA were also left smiling with their decision to give Bulawayo fans a glimpse of the Warriors, proving a masterstroke.
In their momentous centenary celebrations, Highlanders welcomed the national team to one of the country’s ceremonial football turfs, marking a historical day in the local game.
Not in recent years have local fans been able to watch the national team in action as the country does not have a stadium that is certified for international matches by the Confederation of African Football.
Aside from the on-field action, the fans came in their numbers.
Highlanders fans were jubilant, cheering their team and, also marvelling at their favourite national squad stars.
It wasn’t about the result, what mattered most was the carnival atmosphere.
The scoreboard told only part of the story.
The bigger narrative was in the stands, where Bosso supporters turned an exhibition match staged to celebrate the club’s centenary into a fiercely contested occasion.
Any doubts about whether the Warriors would be tested quickly evaporated.
Backed by a full-throated home crowd, Highlanders started on the front foot, their fans creating a hostile, unrelenting atmosphere that demanded intensity from the first whistle.
Bosso were the more assured side early on, building patiently from the back through Rainsome Pavari and Darlington Mukuli, while goalkeeper Aron Ngwenya looked comfortable initiating play.
Their control, however, rarely translated into cutting edge in the final third, even as Brighton Ncube and Prince Ndlovu showed intent.
The Warriors, by contrast, laboured through the opening half.
Short on cohesion and rhythm, they struggled to impose themselves, a reflection, perhaps, of limited time together in camp.
Highlanders came closest before the break.
In the 27th minute, Prince Ndlovu drew applause with a speculative effort from range after combining with Brighton Ncube.
Ncube himself twice went close, first blazing over in the 37th minute and then curling another attempt narrowly off target moments later.
The Warriors’ only real chance of the half arrived late on, Jarrison Selemani’s cross finding Washington Navaya, whose header drifted over.
Changes after the interval including the introduction of captain Marvelous Nakamba and Jonah Fabisch brought some stability to the visitors, but not enough to wrest control from a well-drilled Highlanders side.
For Warriors coach Marian “Mario’’ Marinica, the game served its purpose, even if it exposed shortcomings.
“I would like to thank everyone who attended this game. We found a very grateful atmosphere.
“Of course the club had supporters but I know the same supporters will be wishing us the best,” he said.
“We tried different combinations and new players but this match proved that we are a bit behind in terms of preparation. Normally you need more days to prepare for something like that.
“We wanted a bit pressure, we are going to Botswana and we needed some bit of pressure. I think we needed the mental and physiological pressure.”
Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari, meanwhile, took encouragement from his side’s structure, even as familiar issues in front of goal persisted.
“I think we had a good game. They came here and they were structured.
“Playing such a team proved that our defence is difficult to break… I think in that department we are now solid, we can play from the back. It’s in the final third where we are missing it a bit.
“But I am happy we are keeping clean,” he said.
Jalai happy to be back home
For Warriors right back Emmanuel Jalai, the upcoming Four Nations tournament is a tourney they are taking seriously.
The Four Nations tournament involves the hosts Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Jalai is looking forward to the tournament, which he thinks will give the players an opportunity to bond.
“It’s good to be back home, playing for the national team again,” he said.
Jalai, who now turns out for South Africa Betway Premiership side Durban City, featured in the second half in yesterday’s game.
After the match, Jalai was mobbed by fans, including those from Highlanders, yet the pint-sized player once starred for Bosso’s rivals Dynamos.
Jalai regards Barbourfields as his second home.
“I think for me during my stay at Dynamos, Barbourfields was a second home for DeMbare.
“So, the reception was great from both ends, from the Highlanders supporters and the Dynamos supporters.
“I would like to thank them for their support and I hope they are going to also do that to the other players.”
Jalai has quickly settled in Durban, since making the move from Dynamos in January.
He now wants to maintain that form with the national team.
“The Four Nations tournament is a good preparation for us and it also gives a chance to the new guys.
“We are also helping them to grow very quickly,” said Jalai.
Warriors coach Marian Marinica gave an opportunity to some new faces including Bosso star Mongameli Tshuma.
The lanky midfielder did not disappoint.
The other new players in the Warriors set up included Ipswich Under 21 defender Corbin Mthunzi and Panashe Makwiramiti who plays for Haverford West.
“It’s been long since the national team played here in Zimbabwe, so we are grateful for this opportunity and we are looking forward to playing more games locally,” said Jalai.
He also spoke about his stay at Durban City where he has made nine appearances in all competitions.
