Bosso players shaken by Kaindu exit

Highlanders interim coach Try Ncube has admitted that players were emotionally affected by the shock sacking of head coach Kelvin Kaindu earlier this week, but insists the team is regaining focus ahead of their crunch tie against log leaders MWOS on Sunday.

Kaindu, who enjoyed a strong rapport with the squad, was dismissed on Monday following a dismal run of form that saw Bosso collect just five points from a possible 18 in their last six outings - including back-to-back home defeats to Herentals and Simba Bhora.

At one point, Highlanders were only four points adrift of then-leaders MWOS. Now they trail by 12 points, and the pressure is on to salvage the campaign.

"Obviously, it had an impact, especially on the first day," said Ncube of Kaindu's exit. "But we tried to psyche up the players and yesterday (Wednesday) we saw a different mood and we are hoping to see more improvements."

Despite the turbulence, Ncube says he is confident the team will rise to the occasion and fight for the Highlanders badge when they host MWOS at Barbourfields Stadium this Sunday.

"It's a tricky game because MWOS are a good side. They beat us in our first match of the season, but we are prepared to face them. I hope the players will apply themselves well - we are going to get a result."

Ncube added that his technical team has been working on midfield and attacking combinations to sharpen the team's blunt frontline and avoid further home embarrassment.

"The primary objective is to win. We know our fans want to win, and we really want to win. There is no other way," he said.

Highlanders have dropped a staggering 12 points at Barbourfields in just eight home matches during the first half of the season. All three of their wins at home came against bottom-half sides: Kwekwe United (4–0), CAPS United (1–0), and Bikita Minerals.

Despite fan frustrations, the club has retained standard entry fees for Sunday's showdown: US$3 for the rest of the ground, US$5 for VIP, and US$10 for VVIP seating.

Bosso's faithful will be hoping Ncube can provide the spark to reignite their season, beginning with a strong performance against the very team that started Highlanders' 2025 decline.