IT was supposed to be the homecoming of the “Undertaker”.
When Benjani Mwaruwari (pictured) took the reins at Highlanders, many Bosso supporters expected the same clinical lethality that once terrorised English Premier League defenders.
Instead, four games into the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season, the only thing being buried is Highlanders’ title hopes.
The former Manchester City and Warriors marksman has endured a baptism of fire, leaving both fans and the league table looking unkindly upon him.
Four matches into the season, Mwaruwari is still searching for his first victory. A string of draws — 1-1 against Bulawayo Chiefs, 2-2 against Dynamos, and goalless stalemates against MWOS and Simba Bhora — has left Bosso supporters restless.
The frustration boiled over into ugly scenes following the stalemate against MWOS, where a section of the Barbourfields crowd — long on passion but short on patience — pelted the coach with missiles.
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It was a stark reminder that in the City of Kings and Queens, past glory counts for little when the present is a sequence of stalemates.
Speaking to the media on Saturday after another sluggish stalemate at Simba Bhora, Mwaruwari acknowledged the rising tide of competition in the top flight.
"The competitiveness, we judged it from the beginning," he said. "You can see how many teams have strengthened their squads. You look at the likes of Hardrock, Caps United and Scottland... they are all good teams. It’s going to be tough this season because a lot of teams are strong."
Mwaruwari’s assessment is backed by the current log standings.
Teams that broke the bank during the transfer window are reaping immediate rewards.
Caps United leads the pack with a perfect 12 points from four matches, while defending champions Scottland are unbeaten and sit in second with 8 points.
Simba Bhora are also unbeaten on eight points, while Hardrock are fifth with 7 points.
Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum Stars, with their shoestring budgets, are defying expectations so far as they are also unbeaten on 8 points, while Highlanders are down in 12th position.
When pressed on whether Highlanders can realistically compete for the title this year, Mwaruwari remained cryptic.
"We always try to get up there, win as much as we can," he muttered, hardly a ringing endorsement for a title charge.
However, Mwaruwari is pinning his hopes on this week's international break.
With Bosso set to face the Warriors in a friendly this midweek, the coach is desperate to find a cure for his side’s chronic insomnia in front of goal.
"We’re lacking goals. The boys are playing well, but we aren't scoring enough to get maximum points," Mwaruwari explained.
"We need to move the ball quicker in the final third. Once we are sorted there, I think we’ll be good."
The Undertaker is walking a tightrope.
The upcoming fixture list reads like a horror movie for a coach under pressure.
After the break, Highlanders host former champions FC Platinum, before a daunting trip to face Scottland. For Mwaruwari, the time for "positives" is over.
The Bulawayo giants need wins, and they need them fast.