HIGHLANDERS will be looking to build on the momentum gained from their dramatic victory over Agama when they face city rivals Bulawayo Chiefs in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow.
The encounter marks the start of the second half of the season, with Bosso seeking to turn recent improvement into a sustained run of positive results.
A last-gasp winner against Agama ended a frustrating spell for Highlanders and provided a timely morale boost ahead of the Bulawayo derby.
Despite remaining some distance from the title race, coach Benjani Mwaruwari insists his immediate priority is to ensure the club secures its top-flight status before setting higher targets.
“Quite honestly, we are still building,” he said.
“The first thing we need to do is avoid relegation.
“So, while I’m not entirely happy, there are positives to take from where we are.”
Added Mwaruwari: “There are still areas that need reinforcement.
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“Our immediate target is to get the 14 points we believe will guarantee survival, and then we can look to push higher up the table as the season progresses.”
The comments reflect the cautious approach adopted by the former Zimbabwe international as he continues to rebuild the Bulawayo giants.
Tomorrow’s derby offers Highlanders an opportunity to collect maximum points against a Chiefs side that has struggled for consistency and remains entrenched in the lower half of the table.
Victory would strengthen Bosso’s position and provide valuable momentum heading into a crucial phase of the campaign.
Chiefs, however, will be desperate to spoil their rivals’ plans and kick off the second round on a winning note as they seek to pull away from the relegation zone.
Highlanders will once again look to the attacking quartet of Mongameli Tshuma, Benjamin Adeogun, Prince Ndlovu and Isaac Ngoma to provide the cutting edge in what is expected to be a fiercely contested affair.
With local bragging rights at stake, a sizeable crowd is expected at Barbourfields.
Meanwhile, Chicken Inn host Herentals at Luveve this afternoon, hoping to make a positive start to the second half of the season.
The former champions have endured a difficult campaign and are still searching for the consistency that once made them one of the league’s most formidable sides.
Coach Tonderai Ndiraya acknowledged that results have fallen short of expectations, but believes there are encouraging signs as the rebuilding process continues.
“We don’t want to fall into the same trap that the team was in last year,” he said.
“There is some bit of progress, but not enough really.
“If you look at the brand in general, it’s a big brand, former champions.
“We should really be competing with the best at the top, but it’s work in progress.”
Chicken Inn head into the match after a difficult run that included three consecutive defeats before draws against Agama and Caps United.
Despite the struggles, Ndiraya remains optimistic.
"We are working very hard to make sure that the team gets to be competitive again and gets back to where it was before. I'm pretty confident that we can get there," he said.
Herentals, among the league's most consistent performers this season, are expected to provide a stern test for the Gamecocks as both sides seek a winning start to the second half of the campaign.
