HIGHLANDERS head coach Benjani Mwaruwari has urged his charges to kick off the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season with a bang when they face returnees Bulawayo Chiefs in the first city derby at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
Mwaruwari made a bright start to life at Bosso nearly three weeks ago, guiding the Bulawayo giants to a 1-0 victory over Dynamos in the Jairos Jiri Charity Cup at Emagumeni in his first assignment.
Sunday marks his first league assignment with Highlanders after a brief stint with former champions Ngezi Platinum Stars in 2022, where he was sacked after 13 games.
Mwaruwari said the huge crowds that usually throng Barbourfields Stadium whenever Highlanders are playing will help energise the players.
“We all know the atmosphere is electrifying. So that one is to our advantage. If we start well and play well, we always enjoy. You know, playing in front of big crowds, is always pleasing,” he said.
“So let’s hope we start with the bang. We start with the positive. We start with that energy that we need.
“I know the fans will give us that energy. So as for now, I think we can talk and talk, but the job is left for the boys to do this job on the pitch.”
Highlanders were in Botswana for a pre-season camp and returned home on Tuesday in time for the start of the league programme.
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“That camp was for team bonding and to understand each other, to get to know each other and we did exactly that and we achieved our goal.
“So as I said, everyone, including myself and the players, the supporters, everyone who is connected to the Highlanders family, we are good to go.”
A new-look Highlanders technical team features former club players, with Mkhokheli Dube and Bekithemba “Super” Ndlovu serving as assistant coaches to Mwaruwari, while club legend Zenzo Moyo is the team manager and Ariel Sibanda is part of the goalkeepers’ coaching department.
The Bulawayo giants are hopeful of finalising their squad for the season today after signing Zambian striker Isaac Ngoma, who is awaiting clearance, while Shepard Mhlanga and Shelton Moyo still have their loan agreement paperwork pending.
Highlanders have in their squad Kuda Mahachi, bustling Nigerian striker Benjamin Adeogun, who scored the winner in the Charity Cup against Dynamos, Nomore Chinyerere, Rainsome Pavari, Never Rauzhi, Prince Ndlovu, Darlington Mukuli and Archford Faira, among other players who will do duty this year.
They also have experienced goalkeepers Reward Muza and Pride Zendera, while defender Lawrence Mhlanga is also in the Highlanders ranks.
Mwaruwari said preparations for the game on Sunday have been going well.
“Preparations have been good, and these boys are responding so well and working hard. If you have a team that is willing to work hard, it’s always pleasing for the coach.
“And the game against Bulawayo Chiefs is a local derby and that game speaks for itself.
“My emphasis to the boys is that this game is very important for me for, for them, for the fans and whoever is connected to Highlanders family.
“They know very well what we want in this game. I think three points will be great for everyone.”
