Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS head coach Pieter de Jongh has admitted that his side are not the favourites heading into Sunday’s Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final against Scottland but insists belief, spirit, and a full Barbourfields Stadium could turn the tie in their favour.
Bosso will need every ounce of the Bosso faithful spirit to overcome a Scottland side that already holds the edge this season. De Jongh knows they will need their fans to progress to the next round of the competition.
“It is a big game and we are not the favourites. The favourites are Scottland. But in a cup game, everything is possible. We play in our stadium, and if it is full, anything is possible. On Sunday, we need to fight and show spirit,” said De Jongh.
De Jongh, who led Highlanders to Chibuku Cup glory in 2019, is no stranger to pressure. He has won titles in Zimbabwe and abroad and believes that in knockout football, underdogs can prevail especially with home advantage and passionate support. “I have won two titles in Zimbabwe and also in other countries. I know what it means to play these kinds of games. Football is not all about money – it’s about what happens in the 90 minutes on the pitch,” he said.
With Barbourfields Stadium set to host one of the most anticipated ties of the quarter-final round, De Jongh called on the Highlanders faithful to show up in full force.
“I hope for a full house and strong support from our fans. We have the best fans. If Barbourfields is packed, we can push harder, fight more, and surprise them,” said De Jongh.
Bosso have faced Scottland twice in the league this season. The first encounter ended in a 1-1 draw at Barbourfields, while the Mabvuku-based side claimed a narrow 2-1 win in the reverse fixture at Rufaro Stadium. Despite those results, De Jongh remains hopeful.
“We believe in ourselves. Scottland may have the stars, but we have heart and the people behind us,” he said.
On the squad front, De Jongh confirmed that two key players are still in recovery.
“Reason Sibanda and Andrew Mbeba are on the pitch, but they are not training with the rest of the squad. They are following a separate recovery programme,” said De Jongh.
Above all, the coach spoke on the importance of integrity and fair play in the game.
“I want fair play for everyone — fair play for Highlanders and for Scottland. Football is for the fans and everyone. We want a good and exciting game.” As the stage is set at Emagumeni, De Jongh’s message is clear, Highlanders may not be favourites, but with unity, belief, and a packed stadium behind them, anything is possible.
Fixtures
Saturday: Manica Diamonds v Triangle (Sakubva Stadium), Dynamos v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro Stadium)
Sunday: Bikita Minerals v MWOS (Gibbo Stadium) Highlanders v Scottland (Barbourfields Stadium)
