Story by Mthokozisi Dube
HIGHLANDERS are beginning to build momentum under coach Benjani Mwaruwari after collecting 11 points from their last five matches to revive their Premier Soccer League campaign.
After a sluggish start that saw them labelled draw specialists, Bosso have steadily improved and climbed to seventh place on the table after 15 matches, leaving them just six points behind the leading quartet of Hardrock, Scottland, Herentals and CAPS United.
The Bulawayo giants have turned draws into victories in recent weeks, recording notable wins over Triangle, Hardrock and FC Hunters. Their only dropped points during that run came in draws against Ngezi Platinum Stars and Manica Diamonds.
The improved form has strengthened optimism among the Highlanders faithful, but Mwaruwari insists the focus remains firmly on the club’s long-term rebuilding process.
“I always say that when you are working on something, remember we are building. It takes some time. In that process i am glad that we are not conceding a lot, but we had a lot of draws. If you take a look at the log, all teams are drawing, but those draws are now helping us.
“It is only that we have been drawing. If you look at our first eight games, we probably had seven draws and one win. In contrast, some teams were drawing and grinding results. It is now starting to show that they are helping us in terms of if we win one game, we go a step further. We do not want to look at that because we are still building, and we wanted to run away from relegation,” he said.
Highlanders will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run when they travel to Gweru to face TelOne, who are still searching for their first home victory of the season.
Despite his side’s recent improvement, Mwaruwari remains cautious of complacency as Bosso continue their climb up the standings.
Meanwhile, Matchday 16 of the Premier Soccer League gets underway on Friday, with FC Hunters hosting Bulawayo Chiefs at Heart Stadium.
On Saturday, league newcomers AGAMA face Chicken Inn at Wadzanayi Stadium, while Ngezi Platinum Stars entertain MWOS at Baobab Stadium.
The headline fixture of the weekend will see Herentals and defending champions Scottland meet in a top-of-the-table clash at Rufaro Stadium.
Sunday’s programme features CAPS United against ZPC Kariba at Rufaro Stadium, Triangle taking on FC Platinum at Gibbo Stadium, and Manica Diamonds hosting Dynamos at Sakubva Stadium.
Elsewhere, ambitious newcomers Hardrock welcome former champions Simba Bhora to Chahwanda Stadium in another potentially decisive encounter.
