Highlanders players refuse training before Chicken Inn cup derby

Highlanders players rejected training despite receiving US$250 each, but have agreed to play Chicken Inn in their Chibuku Super Cup first-round derby on 19 August 2026. The match is scheduled for Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.

The players had initially sought at least US$250 before returning to work because of unpaid salaries. After Highlanders made that payment, they asked for US$500 each and stayed away from the training ground when the club could not increase the amount.

Discussions with the club leadership later produced a temporary agreement for the squad to report for the derby. The players have told Highlanders officials they will honour the fixture, leaving coach Benjani Mwaruwari to prepare for the match while the dispute over outstanding payments remains unresolved.

Highlanders’ financial pressure has continued despite money received from the transfer of midfielder Mongameli Tshuma. The club is understood to have received about US$110,000 from the sale, with part of it used to pay one month’s salary to all employees and players. The squad has also received one winning bonus, but is still owed two months’ wages. Highlanders’ technical team is reportedly owed four winning bonuses.

The immediate issue comes as Bosso prepare to face a Chicken Inn side sitting 10th in the 2026 Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League with 33 points from 25 matches. Chicken Inn have won nine league games, drawn six and lost 10, with 19 goals scored and 22 conceded.

Chicken Inn began their recent run with three victories, beating TelOne 1-0, Hunters 1-0 away and Manica Diamonds 2-1. They then lost 3-2 at Ngezi Platinum and 2-0 to Hardrock. Highlanders’ players are expected to set aside the wage dispute for the cup tie, while the club continues efforts to address the wider financial difficulties.