Benjani targets dream start at Highlanders

Head coach Benjani Mwaruwari has urged his players to begin the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign on a high note when Highlanders FC face city rivals Bulawayo Chiefs in a highly anticipated derby at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.

Mwaruwari made an encouraging start to his tenure at the Bulawayo giants after guiding Bosso to a 1-0 victory over Dynamos FC in the Jairos Jiri Charity Cup at Emagumeni nearly three weeks ago.

Sunday's clash will mark his first league assignment since returning to the dugout, following a brief stint with Ngezi Platinum Stars in 2022 where he parted ways with the club after 13 matches.

Speaking ahead of the derby, Mwaruwari said the electrifying atmosphere created by Highlanders supporters at Barbourfields could play a crucial role in motivating the team.

"We all know the atmosphere is electrifying. So that one is to our advantage. If we start well and play well, we always enjoy. Playing in front of big crowds is always pleasing," he said.

"So let's hope we start with a bang. We start with the positive. We start with that energy that we need. I know the fans will give us that energy, but the job is left for the boys to do on the pitch."

Highlanders recently returned from a pre-season training camp in Botswana, which Mwaruwari said helped strengthen team chemistry ahead of the new campaign.

"That camp was for team bonding and to understand each other, to get to know each other and we did exactly that. Everyone connected to the Highlanders family is ready to go," he said.

The club has assembled a new-look technical team largely made up of former Highlanders players. Mkhokheli Dube and Bekithemba Ndlovu are serving as assistant coaches, while club legend Zenzo Moyo has been appointed team manager. Goalkeeping duties are also being supported by captain Ariel Sibanda in the coaching setup.

Bosso are still finalising their squad ahead of the season, with Zambian striker Isaac Ngoma awaiting clearance, while paperwork for loan deals involving Shepard Mhlanga and Shelton Moyo is still being processed.

The Highlanders squad also features experienced players such as Kudakwashe Mahachi, Nigerian striker Benjamin Adeogun—who scored the winning goal in the Charity Cup against Dynamos—as well as Nomore Chinyerere, Rainsome Pavari, Never Rauzhi, Prince Ndlovu, Darlington Mukuli and Archford Faira.

In goal, the club will rely on experienced shot-stoppers Reward Muza and Pride Zendera, while defender Lawrence Mhlanga is also expected to play a key role this season.

Mwaruwari said preparations for the derby have gone smoothly, with players showing strong commitment in training.

"Preparations have been good, and these boys are responding so well and working hard. If you have a team that is willing to work hard, it's always pleasing for the coach," he said.

"And the game against Bulawayo Chiefs is a local derby and that game speaks for itself. My emphasis to the boys is that this game is very important—for me, for them, for the fans and everyone connected to the Highlanders family.

"They know very well what we want in this game. I think three points will be great for everyone."