Highlanders new head coach Benjani Mwaruwari faces the club’s perennial rivals in a Jairos Jiri Charity Cup match at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon, a stern early test for the gaffer ahead of the start of this year’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League programme.
Emagumeni, the traditional home of football in Bulawayo, is expected to be abuzz as the two giants clash, offering Mwaruwari and DeMbare’s returning coach Genesis Mangombe an opportunity to assess their squads ahead of the league kick-off early next month.
Mangombe, however, faces an even tougher assignment soon after, with a showdown against reigning champions Scottland in the Castle Challenge Cup season opener on March 1.
Since his arrival at Highlanders and throughout pre-season preparations, Mwaruwari has largely shied away from the media, openly stating: “Let’s talk after the Dynamos match,” an indication that the former Warriors captain is keen to use tomorrow’s encounter to gauge both himself and his players.
After opening their league campaign against returnees Bulawayo Chiefs, Bosso will immediately hit the road for a second-round date with DeMbare.
Highlanders chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla said tomorrow’s charity match will providean important platform for both technical teams to evaluate their newly assembled squads, while also supporting a noble cause.
“The charity match against Dynamos presents an opportunity for the coaches to further assess their teams,” Mnkandla said.
“Our hope is that supporters will come out in their numbers to support this great cause by the Jairos Jiri Association, while also getting a glimpse of how the team is shaping up.
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“As a club, we would be very grateful for their continued support — both for this initiative and for the boys.”
Fans are expected to pay US$5 for the rest-of-the-ground ticket, US$10 for the VIP stand, and US$20 for VVIP access.
