Sithembinkosi L Jiyane
Sports Reporter
Bulawayo’s iconic Barbourfields Stadium will host one of the most anticipated quarterfinal clashes of the 2025 Chibuku Super Cup as Highlanders FC lock horns with Scotland FC this Sunday at 3 PM.
For Highlanders, the tournament represents not only a chance at silverware but also an opportunity to reassert their dominance on the local football scene.
Backed by passionate home support at Emagumeni, the Bulawayo giants will be eager to use their experience and tactical discipline to outclass the visitors.
Bosso come into the tie with a mixed record in their domestic campaign, 28 matches played, 7 wins, 12 draws, and 9 losses, scoring 33 goals while conceding 24. They currently sit on 23 points with a goal difference of +1.
Recent results have been inconsistent, with a sequence of draw, loss, win, draw, and loss in their last five outings. That inconsistency has raised questions, but the cup format offers Highlanders a fresh chance to reset and show their pedigree in knockout football.
Scotland FC, on the other hand, may be newcomers but they have quickly proven their worth. In just six matches played, they have registered 2 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, scoring 7 goals and conceding 7. With 8 points and a -1 goal difference, their recent form tells a brighter story, two wins, a draw, and two losses in their last five games.
This resurgence suggests Scotland FC are finding their rhythm at the right time, and they will be eager to carry that momentum into Barbourfields.
Adding spice to the tie is the head-to-head record between the two sides. Since 2025, Highlanders and Scotland FC have met only once, a game that ended in a 1-1 draw.
That stalemate means Sunday’s quarterfinal is not just about progression but also about bragging rights, with both clubs looking to secure the first official victory in this new rivalry.
Form statistics highlight the contrasting styles of the two clubs. In their last five games, Scotland FC managed 1 win, 1 draw, and 3 losses, averaging 2.4 goals scored per match but conceding 1.4.
Highlanders, meanwhile, registered 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses, with a much tighter defense, conceding only 0.8 goals per match, but struggling up front, averaging 0.8 goals themselves.
Highlanders head coach Pieter de Jongh expressed excitement ahead of the encounter, promising an intense match and a lively atmosphere at Barbourfields.
“We are hoping for an incredible game and electric atmosphere this Sunday.”
He outlined the team’s preparation schedule, highlighting the intensity of their training sessions:
“We are training two times today, in the morning and in the afternoon. On Friday we will train once, and Saturday once. Yesterday we had a light session with a bowling activity, and then Sunday is the game against Scotland.”
De Jongh acknowledged the strength of their opponents, describing Scotland FC as one of the most formidable teams in Zimbabwean football, even likening them to English giants Manchester City.
“Scotland is the best team, it has the best players like Manchester City. Scotland is the Manchester City of Zimbabwe. There is a lot of potential for dominated football in the next years.”
Despite the challenge, he remained optimistic, calling on the Highlanders faithful to rally behind their team.
“I hope for big support from our fans, everything is possible in football.”
On injuries, De Jongh provided an update on key players:
“Reason Sibanda and Andrew Mbeba are on the pitch, but they’re not training with the rest of the squad. They’re currently following a separate recovery program.”
He also appealed for fairness from match officials, stressing that the game should be decided on the pitch.
“I hope for fair play from the linesmen and the referee. There are a lot of mistakes being made. I would ask for fair play for everyone, both teams.”
Finally, he reminded everyone of the essence of football:
“Football is for the supporters, fans, friends, for everyone.”
With both sides hungry for a semifinal spot, Sunday’s encounter promises fireworks. Highlanders will look to seasoned campaigners and the roar of their faithful home crowd to inspire victory, while Scotland FC’s growing confidence and fearless approach could make them dangerous giant-killers.
As the countdown to kick-off begins, all eyes will be on Barbourfields to see whether the mighty Highlanders can overcome their patchy form, or if Scotland FC will continue their fairytale rise in the Chibuku Super Cup by breaking the deadlock in this new rivalry.
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