HIGHLANDERS coach Pieter De Jongh has heaped praises on Scottland FC as a formidable side to dominate local football, dubbing them the Manchester City of Zimbabwe ahead of their Chibuku Super Cup tie at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
But the Dutchman will be hoping to spring a surprise and dump Scottland out of the premier Cup competition.
Highlanders host the cash-rich Scottland FC in the quarter-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup, a trophy that De Jongh won with Bosso in 2019.
“Scottland is the best team because they have the best players,” De Jongh said.
“They look like Manchester City. Scottland is the Manchester City of Zimbabwe.
“The club has the potential of dominating football in the coming years.”
He added: “On our side, football is 2x45 minutes. I am hoping for a full house, and a lot of support from our great fans.
“We have the best fans, there is no discussion about that. We need the support because Scottland are the favourites. They have the stars, but everything is possible in football.”
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The Dutchman, who has had no kind words for referees since touching down to take charge of Highlanders, called for fair match officiating for both teams.
Scottland are in their first season in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League and with six games remaining to the end of the season, they are in competition for the league title, sitting on position two on the log table with 53 points, two behind leaders and reigning champions Simba Bhora.
They have acquired some of the best players in the country that include Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat, Terrence Dzvukamanja and Tymon Machope, the August player of the month, who is also eyeing the Golden Boot.
They also have former Highlanders player Peter Muduhwa and Mafious Chihweta.
On the other hand, Highlanders are struggling and fighting relegation in the league, perching on position nine with 33 points, just four above the relegation cut off.
As Highlanders entertain Scottland on Sunday, Dynamos, also on the brink in the league, will be at Rufaro Stadium tomorrow against ZPC Kariba in another quarter-final clash.
Also playing tomorrow is Manica Diamonds, who host Triangle at Sakubva in another quarter-final tie, while Bikita Minerals face off with MWOS at Gibbo Stadium on Sunday.
