HIGHLANDERS face a tough run of fixtures in their next five matches as they look to recover from a slow start to their 2023 Castle Premier Soccer League campaign.
This weekend Bosso travel to Harare where they face bogey side Black Rhinos on Saturday.
After that Highlanders will play three tough matches against FC Platinum, Dynamos and Chicken Inn, all at Barbourfields Stadium.
Highlanders, under the guidance of assistant coach Madinda Ndlovu, played a goalless draw at home against ZPC Kariba on Sunday and are away to the army side, Rhinos, who gave them a torrid time at the National Sport Stadium last year beating them 2-0 in their first game of the season, under coach Mandla Mpofu.
The Zvishavane-based side was awarded that match on a 3-0 score line after Highlanders was found guilty of missile throwing by their fans. Highlanders did not get a single point from FC Platinum who have started this season on a high after winning the Castle Challenge Cup and beating new boys Simba Bhora 2-1 in their first game of the season way in Harare.
They are home to Cranborne Bullets before Bosso, who will have coach Baltemar Brito back from his Uefa A refresher course in Portugal. The Portuguese national is expected to jet in today and takes charge of the Rhinos game.
After FC Platinum, the first Bulawayo derby follows as Highlanders meet Chicken Inn who played a draw against debutants Sheasham last Saturday and are home to another newcomer Simba Bhora on Saturday at Luveve Stadium.
The Bulawayo giants managed just two points out of a possible six from the GameCocks last year, playing two draws with both matches played at BF in May (under Mpofu) and under Brito in October.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
The biggest match in the league for the first half of the season comes in the fifth match for Highlanders as they will host perennial rivals Dynamos.
Highlanders got three points from Dynamos for the BF game, which they were awarded by the PSL disciplinary committee after the game was suspended due to crowd trouble and the Harare giants were culpable. Bosso were also found guilty for the unruly behaviour of their fans. The tie in Harare ended in a draw for the two giants and Bosso got four points from Dynamos last year.
In the first five games last year, Highlanders picked up just four points from a possible 15 from one win, a draw and three defeats and assistant coach Antonio. Last week Torres said their first five or six games would determine how the Bulawayo giants will fare this year, regarding fighting for the league title.
Weekend fixtures
Saturday: Ngezi Platinum v Caps United (Baobab), FC Platinum v Cranborne Bullets (Mandava), Chicken Inn v Simba Bhora (Luveve), Black Rhinos v Highlanders (NSS), Green Fuel v Herentals (Gibbo)
Sunday: Dynamos v Sheasham (NSS), Manica Diamonds v Triangle (Gibbo), Yadah v Hwange (Baobab)
Monday: ZPC Kariba v Bulawayo Chiefs (NSS)
