Bulawayo giants Highlanders FC are approaching their weekend clash against Herentals with caution, despite having recently knocked The Students out of the Chibuku Super Cup.
The two teams have already crossed paths twice this season in different competitions, and with each game carrying its own intensity, Bosso are not underestimating the challenge ahead as they prepare for Sunday’s fixture.
Highlanders bundled Herentals out of the Chibuku Cup in the first round, but this latest meeting has the feel of a grudge match as the Students now stand in the way of Bosso’s survival bid.
With five matches remaining, Highlanders need at least five points to secure their Premiership status in a tense relegation battle that also involves traditional heavyweights Dynamos and CAPS United.
Head coach Hendrik Pieter de Jongh admitted the cup victory is now history, stressing that his side’s focus is firmly on avoiding the drop.
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“Herentals are not an easy team to face. They are tactically disciplined and have given many clubs problems. We are targeting five or six points to be safe. Preparation has been good and we’ll give everything on Sunday. Hopefully, fair play will prevail,” said de Jongh.
Fans, however, remain anxious.
“We are fighting for survival and Herentals have always been a tough nut for us,” said Ebrahim Mpofu.
“This is a relegation fight in our centenary year — that makes it even more painful,” added Sizolwenkosi Dube.
“One more loss and we are deep in the relegation dogfight,” warned Graciano Wabai.
Meanwhile, Premier Soccer League action resumes this Friday with Chicken Inn facing Scotland at Barbourfields Stadium.
Saturday’s fixtures will see TelOne taking on Kwekwe United at Ascot, while MWOS battle Green Fuel at Ngoni. On Sunday, Manica Diamonds host Triangle at Sakubva, Simba Bhora welcome CAPS United to Wadzanayi, Dynamos face Ngezi Platinum Stars at Rufaro, ZPC Kariba clash with Bikita Minerals at Nyamhunga, and FC Platinum take on Yadah at Mandava.
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