HIGHLANDERS are refusing to give up on the premier league title despite their recent woeful run which has seen the Bulawayo giants lose control of the championship race.
Bosso has had a torrid time in the past three weeks, losing to FC Platinum and Chicken Inn by an identical 2-0 scoreline, which saw them surrendering their pole position on the log table to Ngezi Platinum Stars.
The Baltemar Brito-coached side went down 2-0 against Dynamos last week when the match was abandoned on the 38th minute due to crowd trouble.
Ahead of their home clash against Yadah at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday, Highlanders captain Ariel Sibanda admitted their form is not up to scratch.
But the goalkeeper believes his team could still bounce back and win the league title
"It's still doable (to win the league) because we have been there (at the top of the log) before, so it’s all about us the players picking ourselves up," Sibanda said. "It's not the end of the league... we should pick ourselves up quickly and fight till the end because anything can still happen."
The defeats to FC Platinum and Chicken Inn saw Highlanders drop to second position on the log table with 41 points, one behind Ngezi Platinum Stars.
There are eleven games to go in the league.
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They could drop even further down the table if their abandoned match against Dynamos is given to the latter.
Sibanda had no explanation on how his team, which started the season brilliantly and looked like they would be run away winners as they went on an unbeaten run of 19 matches, suddenly crumbled, especially at this critical stage of the season.
Sibanda called on his players to improve on all aspects of the game if they are to turn around their season.
Assistant coach Antonio Torres blamed fatigue for the team's recent poor form.
"In these last three games we felt a little bit tired but we are not people to give up, so we are focussed on our target (of winning the title)," Torres said.
Highlanders have been very poor defensively in recent times, conceding six goals.
Against Dynamos, they conceded as early as the second minute through a goal by Keith Madera before Frank Makarati doubled the lead on 36th minute.
Two minutes later, their fans rioted, leading to the match being called off prematurely.
"We were a bit low (against Dynamos), I don't know why, but I feel that's where we lost the game. It's one of those games where we should quickly forget about. But it's an error we shouldn't repeat especially looking at the log table and the position we are now on. We should start on a high each and every game we are going to play,” Sibanda said.
They have, however, put behind the horrors of the last three weeks and their focus is now firmly on Yadah this weekend.
"Our focus is preparing our next game and we need to respect Yadah. We know that is another tough game at home and we want to bring back the smiles to Bulawayo,” he added.
Yadah have, however, written to the Premier Soccer League requesting for the fixture to be moved to a neutral venue outside Bulawayo for the safety of players and fans.
Yadah suggested that if the match cannot be moved to a neutral venue, it should be played in an empty Barbourfields Stadium.
Follow Henry on Twitter @henrymhara
