By Sukoluhle Ndlovu
When Highlanders players walk onto the pitch this afternoon to take on CAPS United at Rufaro Stadium, the familiar roar of the crowd, the excitement and the rivalry will all be there.
But four members of the Bosso family will not.
For the first time since the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of three Highlanders executives and a supporter, the Bulawayo giants return to competitive action, taking on old rivals CAPS United in a battle of the giants played against the backdrop of grief.
For many at Highlanders, it will be difficult to simply switch back to football.
Sports analyst Simba Chiminya says the match comes at a time when the club and the wider football family are still mourning.
“Naturally, it’s very emotional after losing the leadership of the team and, in this case, losing three executives and a fan. The whole past week was emotional for everyone, not only Bosso fans but football followers in general, because these leaders touched many lives,” says Chiminya.
The tragedy has left players and supporters having to process the loss of people who were part of their football lives.
Chiminya says the manner in which news of the accident spread also added to the shock, while the loss of the executives could be felt even more deeply by players who looked up to them.
“Mentally, the fans were touched because the graphics and the manner in which the news broke were shocking. Just getting to know about it on social media without the news being relayed through proper channels. Also, these are the leaders who were fatherly figures to the players,” he says.
Today, the players have to find a way to put those emotions aside, even if only for 90 minutes.
For Chiminya, the pain of losing their colleagues could also give the players something to play for.
“Obviously, the players would want a win as a tribute to the departed and also a win to cheer up their grieving fans. There is no better way to remember the departed than winning against CAPS United,” he says.
There is also unfinished business between the two sides.
CAPS United won the reverse fixture at Barbourfields, and Highlanders will be hoping to turn the tables when the two teams meet again today.
But this time, the circumstances are different.
Chiminya believes the players must use the tragedy as a source of strength rather than allow it to weigh them down.
“A tragedy happened and the players need to find a way to overcome it. In fact, the burden of wanting to play for the departed should be a motivation for them. They should be inspired more to do something for those who died in line of duty for the badge of Highlanders,” he says.
For the Bosso faithful, a win could offer a welcome moment of relief after a difficult week.
“A win would mean a lot. A defeat will dampen the spirits, as it will be a continuation of mourning. There are no two ways about it. Even the neutrals would be rooting for a Highlanders win to cheer up the souls at the club,” says Chiminya.
But CAPS United are not coming to the game simply to play a supporting role in Highlanders’ emotional return.
The Green Machine have their own ambitions, and with title rivals Scottland dropping points, the visitors will be looking to take advantage.
Sports producer and analyst Tinashe Jimu believes CAPS United will come into the match determined to collect maximum points, while coach Takesure Chiragwi will be hoping to turn around the team’s recent fortunes.
“CAPS United are going to be challenging for the title. After Scotland dropped two points yesterday, CAPS will be coming all guns blazing. Takesure Chiragwi is looking to change fortunes. The Green Machine have been out of sorts for more than a month or so,” says Jimu.
Jimu believes Highlanders could have an advantage if they remain patient, particularly as the game enters its final stages.
“CAPS United arguably have the oldest squad. If Highlanders can be patient, they could snatch the game from CAPS in the dying minutes because of CAPS’ tired legs,” he says.
But Bosso will also have to guard against lapses in concentration.
“CAPS can just take advantage of Bosso’s concentration and confidence in front of goal,” says Jimu, who predicts a tight encounter that could end in either a scoring or goalless draw.
He believes Highlanders will also be motivated by the fact that they had a break from action following the tragedy.
“They will simply be looking for three points. And they will look to take advantage of the matchday break they had after that tragic accident. For them, it should be a motivation to come to the capital and collect maximum points,” says Jimu.
For Highlanders, though, today’s match will be about finding a way to play football while carrying the weight of loss.
The players will have 90 minutes to compete, the supporters will have 90 minutes to cheer their team on, and, for a while, the focus will return to the game they all love.
But the absence of four members of the Bosso family will be felt.
