De Jongh’s return in motion as Ngezi Platinum Stars visit B/F

Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub HIGHLANDERS head into a critical clash against Ngezi Platinum Stars this afternoon with more questions than answers both on and off the pitch.Amid a turbulent week dominated by coaching uncertainties and a poor run of form, the spotlight will be firmly fixed on Barbourfields Stadium as Bosso look to steady a rocking ship.The club’s leadership is scrambling to finalise paperwork for the possible return of Dutch coach Hendrik Pieter de Jongh (pictured), who was recently seen at Highlanders’ match against CAPS United at Rufaro Stadium in Harare.Barbourfields StadiumHis appearance within earshot of club officials and a close associate of the executive sent social media into overdrive and sparked growing speculation of a second stint at the club.Committee member for Technical and Development, Kindman Ndlovu, has confirmed that the club is actively working with authorities to ensure De Jongh’s return meets the necessary legal frameworks.“The club invited Coach De Jongh to visit the country and our club to have a closer look at our facilities and football team in consideration of a potential re-engagement as a first team head coach,” said Ndlovu.“We are happy to say there has been significant progress and we have since engaged the relevant authorities to enable Coach De Jongh to meet the requirements as outlined by the laws of our country so that he is able to render his services to the club in a few days to come,” said Ndlovu.On the field, Bosso are struggling. They have won just one of their last six matches, a 1-0 home result against GreenFuel while suffering defeats to CAPS United, Scottland and MWOS and being held by Triangle and Kwekwe United. The lack of goals has been a recurring issue, with interim coach, Try Ncube openly admitting his team’s attacking inefficiency.Injury concerns will compound the coach’s selection headache.

Captain Andrew Mbeba has been ruled out, while Hubert Ncube, Mvelo Khoza and Darlington Mukuli remain doubtful.To address these gaps, the club moved in the mid-season window, signing Nigerian striker Benjamin Oluwarotimi Adeogun on loan from Gwanda Pirates.Midfielders Learnmore Muyambo and Martin Nhubu, the latter formerly of Ngezi Platinum, also joined, though Nhubu’s deal is yet to be formally announced despite his presence in training.Meanwhile, Ngezi Platinum Stars arrive with form and momentum. The former champions are fifth on the table with 38 points and remain well within reach of the title race. Their fluid attack and solid defence will test a Highlanders side that has been anything but settled.For Bosso, three points could lift morale and begin a much-needed turnaround.

But with coaching questions still unanswered and pressure mounting, the visit of Ngezi Platinum Stars might feel more like a test of character than just another league fixture.Today’s fixturesHerentals v Kwekwe United (Rufaro Stadium), Bikita Minerals v CAPS United (Gibbo Stadium), Highlanders v Ngezi Platinum (Barbourfields Stadium)Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave

Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald

Source: Zimbabwe Herald