HIGHLANDERS' preparations for Sunday's blockbuster Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium have been thrown into disarray as players got into their fourth day without training over unpaid salaries and winning bonuses.
The players downed tools on Tuesday as they demand payment of outstanding May salaries and three winning bonuses, raising fears over Bosso's readiness for one of the country's biggest football fixtures.
The latest industrial action marks the third time in as many weeks that the Highlanders squad has boycotted training over remuneration issues, highlighting the deepening financial challenges facing the Bulawayo giants.
Contacted for comment yesterday, Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe confirmed the standoff and said the club was making efforts to resolve the matter before the weekend.
"It is true, they (the players) are not training. They want money. We owe them winning bonuses and their May salaries. We are going to pay them one winning bonus today," Mhlophe said.
"I am going to see the boys and address them now as we speak and as soon as the funds are made available today as expected, we are going pay them with a promise to pay the rest soon after the game on Sunday. I am hoping that they will start training."
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The development comes at the worst possible time for Highlanders, who are seeking to maintain momentum after a recent upturn in form and head into the DeMbare showdown carrying the hopes of their passionate supporters.
Bosso have won three of their last five league matches, beating Bulawayo Chiefs, Agama and Hunters, while drawing against Manica Diamonds and losing away to TelOne.
However, the off-field turmoil threatens to derail the team's preparations ahead of a match that traditionally attracts huge crowds and intense national interest.
Dynamos, meanwhile, arrive in Bulawayo in relatively good form, having collected victories over TelOne and Ngezi Platinum Stars, while drawing against Manica Diamonds and suffering defeats to Chicken Inn and MWOS.
The salary dispute is likely to pile further pressure on coach Benjani Mwaruwari, who will be hoping the matter is resolved quickly to allow his players adequate time to prepare for Sunday's potentially season-defining encounter.
With only a few days remaining before kick-off, all eyes will be on whether Highlanders can settle the outstanding payments and restore normalcy in camp ahead of the eagerly-awaited Battle of Zimbabwe.