Bosso raise gate fees ahead of FC Platinum clash

Highlanders Football Club have cranked up the heat ahead of their blockbuster Castle Lager Premier Soccer League showdown with FC Platinum by announcing an increase in gate charges for Sunday's eagerly anticipated encounter at Barbourfields Stadium.

In a bold and calculated move that underscores the significance of the fixture, Bosso have raised the standard entrance fee from the usual US$3 to US$5. Fans seeking a more premium matchday experience will need to fork out US$10 for VIP access, while VVIP tickets will now cost US$20.

The decision reflects both the high stakes of the tie and the club's confidence in drawing a bumper crowd to Emagumeni, powered by their famously passionate fan base.

Sunday's match pits two giants of the domestic game against each other, with Highlanders looking to exact revenge for last season's painful double defeat to the four-time champions. FC Platinum triumphed 2-0 in Zvishavane and followed that up with a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture at Barbourfields, a sore memory the Bulawayo giants are desperate to erase.

Bosso, currently fourth on the log with 17 points, come into the clash buoyed by their first away win of the season - a clinical 2-0 dismantling of Yadah last weekend. FC Platinum, sitting eighth with 14 points, are enduring a patchy run of form, having drawn 0-0 with Ngezi Platinum in their last outing.

The match is being billed as one of the biggest of the season so far, with both sides known for their fluid, attacking brand of football. Fans and neutrals alike are anticipating a spectacle.

"This is a must-watch for any true football lover," said one fan on social media, echoing the growing excitement surrounding the fixture.

Football analyst Dalubuhle Bhebhe believes Highlanders have turned a corner in recent weeks.

"There's been marked improvement from Highlanders, especially defensively. They're no longer leaking goals late in games, which speaks to better fitness and game management," Bhebhe said.

He praised the team's strategy of introducing energetic young players in the second half to maintain tempo and pressure.

"These boys are hungry and purposeful - they're making a real difference both in attack and defence. The coaching staff deserve credit for this tactical balance," he added.

Bhebhe also highlighted the resurgence of striker Reason Sibanda as a major boost.

"He had been struggling in front of goal, but now he seems to have rediscovered his scoring touch. His confidence is up, and that can only benefit Bosso moving forward."

The match is more than just a fight for three points - it's about momentum, pride, and making a statement in the title race.

Elsewhere in Matchday 11 action across the country, log leaders MWOS face a tricky test at home to TelOne at Ngoni Stadium. Kwekwe United host Chicken Inn at Bata, while Green Fuel play Manica Diamonds at the Green Fuel Arena. CAPS United return to Rufaro Stadium to face Herentals, and Ngezi Platinum will seek to bounce back against ZPC Kariba at Baobab. Bikita Minerals take on Yadah at Gibbo.

Sunday's schedule also includes a clash between newly promoted Scottland and defending champions Simba Bhora at Rufaro, while Triangle United welcome Dynamos to Gibbo in what promises to be another fiery showdown.

As the season edges toward its halfway mark, the battle for supremacy is heating up - and all eyes will be on Barbourfields this Sunday.

Matchday 11 Fixtures
Saturday:
MWOS vs TelOne (Ngoni Stadium); Green Fuel vs Manica Diamonds (Green Fuel Arena); CAPS United vs Herentals (Rufaro Stadium); Ngezi Platinum vs ZPC Kariba (Baobab Stadium); Bikita Minerals vs Yadah (Gibbo Stadium)

Sunday:
Kwekwe United vs Chicken Inn (Bata Stadium); Scottland vs Simba Bhora (Rufaro Stadium); Triangle United vs Dynamos (Gibbo Stadium); Highlanders vs FC Platinum (Barbourfields Stadium)