OnSport Reporter
FOLLOWING the defeat to Scottland FC at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday, former Highlanders striker Gabriel Nyoni has intimated that the Bulawayo giants have the quality of players but lack a winning culture.
Highlanders lost 1-2 to Scottland in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match in which they scored first through evergreen Mafious Chiweta, allowed the hosts a comeback with a brace from Terrence Dzvukamanja only for striker Marvin Sibanda to miss a penalty to restore parity.
Under Try Ncube, after the sacking of Kelvin Kaindu, its two defeats, one win and a draw and Bosso remain in position eight on the table with 13 games to go, on 27 points, 16 points behind leaders Simba Bhora.
It’s not a good sign for the Bulawayo giants, who envisaged winning the championship this year, to coincide with centennial celebrations next year when the club turns 100 years old.
Nyoni says talent without winning mentality is Highlanders’ Achilles heel, rubbishing the club’s perennial re-building exercises as a folly in the club’s quest to win silverware.
“Highlanders FC doesn’t lack players, they lack a winning culture. For 19 years we’ve watched talent come and go, but the league trophy stayed away. Why? Because talent without mentality means nothing. Bosso must rebuild a culture of winning, of discipline, of fearless ambition. No more playing for survival — play to dominate. Any coach that still comes and says we are still rebuilding shouldn’t be allowed. No more excuses — demand professionalism from top to bottom. No more wasted potential — invest in leaders who teach these boys how to win under pressure,” Nyoni said.
He added: “Highlanders are supposed to set the standard in Zimbabwean football… time to reclaim that identity.
It’s not just about scoring goals — it’s about building a football system that feeds itself, season after season. Only then will Highlanders not just win the league… but dominate it. Should Bosso rebuild from grassroots or just buy experienced stars and mix them with the boys and go all out next season?”
Meanwhile, reigning champions Simba Bhora continued their winning ways with a win over struggling giants Dynamos in pursuit of defending the league title and have opened a three-point lead as MWOS backtracks after suffering two defeats on the trot.
Simba Bhora are now on 43 points after the win over Dynamos followed by another victory against Herentals and have only lost two matches in 21 games.
MWOS remained in the second spot with 40 points after two defeats to Yadah and FC Platinum, the latter being their third loss of the season.
Scottland leapt to position three with 34 points after beating Highlanders with three points on a 3-0 scoreline from their abandoned match against Chicken Inn.
Bosso lack winning culture – Gabriel Nyoni
