Antony Chawagarira
Bulawayo– Log leaders Scottland FC face one of their toughest tests of the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season when they travel to Bulawayo for a high-profile encounter against Highlanders FC at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
The Matchday 23 fixture is expected to attract a capacity crowd as Highlanders seek their first league victory over Scottland since the Harare-based side gained promotion to the top flight.
Scottland head into the encounter in impressive form after stretching their unbeaten run to nine league matches while keeping clean sheets in each of those games. The Norman Mapeza-coached side also remains unbeaten away from home this season and sits comfortably at the top of the league standings with 51 points from 22 matches.
Their defensive solidity has been built around experienced defenders Kevin Moyo and Peter Muduhwa, while former Warriors captain Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat have continued to provide the attacking spark that has made Scottland title favourites.
Highlanders, however, will draw confidence from playing in front of their passionate supporters at Barbourfields Stadium, where the club traditionally enjoys strong backing.
Bosso’s 12th man ready to roar as Highlanders hunt Scottland scalp
One of the key talking points ahead of the match is whether Highlanders’ famed “12th man” can inspire the hosts to upset the league leaders. Bosso supporters have built a reputation over the years for transforming Barbourfields into a fortress, particularly during high-profile encounters against the country’s top clubs.
Their relentless singing, drumming and unwavering support have often lifted the team’s performance and unsettled visiting opponents. The sea of black and white at Barbourfields is expected to provide an intimidating atmosphere as Highlanders look to turn home advantage into three valuable points.
Scottland, however, will be looking to withstand the pressure as Mapeza’s disciplined and well-organised side seeks to extend its unbeaten run and tighten its grip on the championship race.
Although Bosso have struggled to convert draws into victories this season, they remain difficult to beat, having suffered only two league defeats so far.
The Bulawayo giants have drawn a league-high 13 matches this campaign, seven of them at home, a statistic that has frustrated supporters despite the team’s resilience.
Coach Benjani Mwaruwari will look to experienced defender Andrew Mbeba, captain Darlington Mukuli, midfielder Kudakwashe Mahachi, exciting youngster Roy Nyamande and Nigerian striker Benjamin Adeogun to inspire Highlanders to a victory that could revive their title ambitions.
The match also comes as Highlanders members prepare for an Extraordinary General Meeting to discuss the club’s financial position, adding further significance to Sunday’s fixture.
Elsewhere, FC Platinum travel to Bulawayo Chiefs in another important encounter, with both sides seeking consistency after mixed results in recent weeks.
Bulawayo Chiefs will be aiming to bounce back from their defeat to Simba Bhora, while FC Platinum hope to turn a series of draws into victories as they chase a top-four finish.
Other Matchday 23 fixtures will see TelOne host ZPC Kariba, FC Hunters entertain Chicken Inn, MWOS face Agama, Manica Diamonds welcome CAPS United, Hardrock take on Triangle, while Dynamos host Simba Bhora.
The Highlanders-Scottland clash is widely expected to headline the weekend’s football action, with the result likely to have a significant bearing on both the championship race and Highlanders’ push up the league table.
