Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHEN the Battle of Zimbabwe roars to life at Barbourfields this afternoon, Benjani Mwaruwari will feel it more acutely than almost anyone else.
For the Highlanders coach, the noise will carry judgement.
After 18 games in charge, six wins, 10 draws and two defeats have left Bosso seventh on the log with 28 points, nine behind leaders Scottland. The draws frustrated supporters and only back-to-back victories have eased the pressure.
Highlanders can forgive many things, but losing to Dynamos is rarely one of them.
“We are coming from two successive wins, which is good for us coming into this one, because Highlanders can forgive you for losing to any other team, not Dynamos,” said Mwaruwari.
“If you lose to Dynamos, they will judge you forever. It has always been like that . . . it’s Highlanders’ tradition.”
Mwaruwari understands that tradition better than many realise.
Though much of his football identity was built abroad, the former Zimbabwe captain was born in Bulawayo and attended Magwegwe Primary and Magwegwe Secondary schools before beginning his football journey at Air Zimbabwe Jets.
Despite the years spent in South Africa, Switzerland, France and England, he says home was never far from his thoughts.
“My heart has always been here in Zimbabwe and I knew that someday I would come back and play a role in developing the new generation of stars,” he said.
“I am happy that the opportunity arose at Highlanders, a club from within a community that I grew up in. I know how it is like being part of the institution.”
Many never imagined that one of Zimbabwe’s most accomplished football exports would return to coach in the domestic league.
His first experience ended painfully.
In 2022, Mwaruwari was dismissed by Ngezi Platinum Stars just three months into a four-year contract after a run of poor results.
The fallout dragged on and eventually contributed to the club facing a FIFA-enforced transfer ban.
The experience left many wondering if he would ever coach locally again.
Instead, he accepted one of the toughest jobs in Zimbabwean football.
“When the offer came, I could not believe it at first; it felt like a joke,” he said with a laugh.
“We have always had conversations with the benefactor. We have a good relationship, so we talk, but to think of coaching Highlanders, I never imagined it.”
The decision meant leaving his family behind and stepping into one of the most demanding jobs in Zimbabwean football.
He knew exactly what awaited him.
“When I put my signature on that contract, I knew what I was getting into. Barbourfields has never been a kind home to losers even from back in the day,” he said.
“As a coach, you have to make sure that every week you give fans the results they want, so I knew that I needed to work hard to give them that.
“But of all the fixtures, losing to Dynamos is unforgivable, so we have to do our best.”
That reality explains why today’s match carries significance beyond three points.
For Highlanders supporters, derby results often shape how coaches are remembered.
Victory would strengthen belief in Mwaruwari’s project. Defeat would reopen questions about a season that has produced more draws than wins.
Dynamos arrive with reasons to be confident.
The Harare giants sit sixth on the table with 29 points, one ahead of Highlanders. They are coming from a 3-0 victory over TelOne and have scored 26 goals this season, 11 more than Bosso’s tally of 15. History, however, offers Highlanders encouragement.
The last time Dynamos beat Bosso at Barbourfields was on August 9, 2014, when Roderick Mutuma scored the winner.
Three years later, DeMbare were awarded a 3-0 result after the match was abandoned with them leading 2-0.
Since then, Highlanders have protected their home turf against their fiercest rivals.
“You do not want to be the one who gave away a history that has stood for almost 12 years,” he said.
“A lot is at stake and we are hoping that the plan we have will work for us because we really need the
three points, but definitely it will not be easy.
“When you are a coach or player at Highlanders, you have to learn how to work under pressure every day.”
By sunset, Barbourfields will have delivered its verdict. For all he achieved abroad, few results in Mwaruwari’s coaching career will matter more than the next 90 minutes.
