Raymond Jaravaza
HIGHLANDERS will take their pre-season preparations to the border town of Plumtree as the Bulawayo giants step up groundwork for the start of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season that begins mid-month.
The Premier Soccer League has announced fixtures for the 2023 season, starting 18 March.
Bosso are not resting on their laurels in giving the coaches friendly matches to try out different formations and keep players’ fitness at optimum levels.
Last month the team travelled to Gweru and Beitbridge and played friendly matches with Sheasham and Border Strikers respectively.
In Plumtree they take on Zifa Southern Region side Mainline FC on Saturday at Dingumuzi Stadium.
Mainline FC chairman Jabulani Magwana Tshuma confirmed the friendly match.
“Highlanders Plumtree supporters chapter invited Highlanders FC to come and play at Dingumuzi Stadium against Mainline FC and the visitors agreed and officially confirmed that they are coming.“This is a good opportunity for Mainline to play against one of the biggest clubs in the country as we also step up preparations for the Zifa Southern Region league,” said Tshuma.
Bosso have so far signed striker Calvin Chigonero on loan from Talen Vision, recalled goalkeeper Reward Muza who had been sent to Bulawayo City to get much-needed game time, promoted Gillian Nyathi from Bosso90 and signed Bulawayo City captain Melikhaya Ncube.
From last season’s squad, Bosso have parted ways with Nqobizitha Masuku, Adrian Silla, Bukhosi Sibanda, Toto Banda and Muziwakhe Dlamini.
Defender Crispen Ncube has also been informed that while he still has a contract with Bosso, he is not in coach Baltemor Brito’s plans for the season, with an announcement still to be made on his status at the club.
Highlanders recovered from a disastrous start to the season under Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu to finish fifth when Bosso engaged Brito in June. Amahlolanyama fought hard for a spot in the top four only to be elbowed out by Ngezi Platinum Stars who had a strong finish to the season.
