Benjani returns as Highlanders draw 0-0 with Herentals in Zimbabwe PSL

Highlanders and Herentals played out a 0-0 draw in round 27 of the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League at Barbourfields Stadium on August 23. Herentals entered the match fourth with 45 points from 26 games, while Highlanders were seventh on 38 points.

The match marked Benjani Mwaruwari’s return to the Highlanders dugout. The former Zimbabwe international had been away from the bench while recovering from illness, before taking charge again for the meeting with Herentals.

His return came as Highlanders tried to build on an inconsistent run of results. Before facing Herentals, Bosso had won two, drawn two and lost one of their previous five league matches. Those results included victories over Scotland Mabvuku and MWOS, draws with Platinum FC and Simba Bhora, and a 1-0 defeat by Kariba.

Herentals arrived with a similar record across their last five fixtures, although their wins had placed them higher in the standings. They beat Hunters, Manica Diamonds and Triangle United by 1-0 margins, but lost to Ngezi Platinum and Hardrock without scoring in either defeat.

The stalemate meant neither side claimed the three points needed to improve its position through victory. Herentals had held a seven-point advantage over Highlanders before the game, with the two teams separated by three places in the table. Highlanders therefore remain focused on closing the distance to the leading teams as the league season continues.

For Mwaruwari, the goalless result provided a first match back on the Highlanders bench, but it did not produce the positive result the home side sought. Herentals extended their campaign with a point, while Highlanders had to settle for the same outcome at home.