Lovemore Dube
lovemore.dube@chronicle.co.zw
BOSSO supporters are the heartbeat of Highlanders FC.
Coach Benjani Mwaruwari acknowledges that fact something that he experienced during an era in which juniors curtain-raised at Barbourfields Stadium in 1994-96 when he was a club junior.
Their energy is like no other, they turn every match into a cauldron of noise and passion that’s felt across the stadium. The roar has been known to intimidate opposition teams and propel Highlanders to greater performances.
Whether it’s the choreographed chants, the sea of black and white or the unwavering support even in tough times, they create an electric atmosphere that propels the team forward. They are not just fans, they are the 12th player, making every home game at Barbourfields a fortress.
Their dedication and pride in the team is what makes Bosso one of the most feared and respected teams in Zimbabwean football.
Their legacy has been associated with greatness measured by the many trophies in the cabinet at 50 Robert Mugabe Way in Bulawayo.
Mwaruwari is singing praises for Highlander fans, saying their electrifying atmosphere at Barbourfields Stadium gives the team a huge advantage.
“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.
After two draws at home and as many away, Mwaruwari says they are unlike others.
“They are second to none, they are the best, they love their team and they support it to the very end which is what lifts the boys during matches,” said Mwaruwari a former Zimbabwe international who played for Manchester City in the United Kingdom.
He knows the effect of crowds and their ability to spur the lads on the pitch.
“What makes Highlanders fans different is that even away from home, they come in their thousands, add colour and make the atmosphere ecstatic,” said Mwaruwari.
Mwaruwari accepts the challenge to deliver and believes the fans’ energy will motivate the team to perform at their best, especially this year when the club is celebrating 100 years of existence.
The coach begs for patience.
“After four matches, we find ourselves in a position in which almost every player has had a go. We now have a better understanding of the material at our disposal. The boys are putting 110 percent and are loving every moment of it. They are a great group to work with, what we need is patience,” said the former Warriors captain.
A majority of the players are below 23 and quite an investment for the future. Highlanders came close to relegation last year in another year the club failed to bring quality after the departure of some good players in 2024.
They are on a rebuilding exercise and the exciting football they are playing is giving the true Highlanders supporter something to want to believe.
Bosso has had difficult opponents in the opening six rounds with home matches against MWOS and Bulawayo Chiefs and away matches to Dynamos and Simba Bhora that were all drawn.
Highlanders have two taxing fixtures this Easter weekend with a home tie against FC Platinum at Barbourfields Stadium and on Monday they are away to defending champions Scottland at Barbourfields.
Fixtures
Thursday: FC Hunters v ZPC Kariba (Heart Stadium), Triangle v Agama (Gibbo), Hardrock v Herentals (Chahwanda), Ngezi Platinum Stars v CAPS United (Baobab), TelOne v Scottland (Ascot), Bulawayo Chiefs v Simba Bhora (Barbourfields Stadium), Manica Diamonds v Chicken Inn (Greenfuel Arena), Dynamos v MWOS (Rufaro)
Good Friday: Highlanders v FC Platinum (Barbourfields)
Easter Sunday: Simba Bhora v Dynamos (Wadzanayi), CAPS United v Manica Diamonds (Rufaro).
Easter Monday: Chicken Inn v FC Hunters (Barbourfields), ZPC Kariba v TelOne (Nyamhunga), Triangle v Hardrock (Gibbo), FC Platinum v Bulawayo Chiefs (Mandava), Scottland v Highlanders (Rufaro), Agama v MWOS (Wadzanayi).
Tuesday: Herentals College v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Rufaro)-@FungaiMuderere
