Dube praises Benjani Junior after Highlanders’ 3-2 Chibuku Super Cup win

Highlanders defeated Chicken Inn 3-2 on penalties after a goalless 90 minutes to reach the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals. The result came at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday, with Benjani Junior Mwaruwari making his first appearance for the Bulawayo club after coming on at half-time.

Assistant coach Mkhokheli Dube praised the teenager’s calm approach on a demanding debut. Dube said Benjani Junior followed instructions, kept his play simple and showed the pace that can make him a useful option for Highlanders.

The debutant entered the match in front of Highlanders’ supporters and handled the pressure without allowing the occasion to affect him. Dube viewed the performance as an important beginning for the player and indicated that further opportunities could follow as he adapts to the club.

Dube was responsible for the team from the bench because head coach Benjani Mwaruwari was in hospital with an undisclosed illness. Despite the change in the technical area and the lack of a goal during regulation time, Highlanders held their nerve in the shootout to secure progress in the competition.

The cup result adds to a mixed league campaign for Highlanders. They are seventh in the 2026 Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League with 37 points from 25 matches, having won eight, drawn 13 and lost four, while scoring 23 goals and conceding 19. Their five latest league matches produced two wins, two draws and one defeat, including a 2-1 victory away to MWOS before the 0-1 loss at Kariba.

Highlanders are scheduled to face Chicken Inn again on 19 August in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League. The cup victory gives Dube’s side a quarter-final place, while Benjani Junior has made an early case for more playing time after his first appearance.