HARARE Zimbabwean soccer giants Highlanders come under scrutiny today when they take on South African club Jomo Cosmos in an anti-xenophobia match at Johannesburg Stadium today.
Organisers of the match dubbed the Ubuntu Derby say it is aimed at bringing awareness, promoting unity and togetherness between locals and non-South Africans living in the country fowling the outbreak of xenophobic violence in some parts of South Africa in recent weeks.
Highlanders had their match against city rivals Bantu Rovers postponed by the league management to allow the team to travel to South Africa for the match that also has the blessings of the Sports and Recreation Commission.
Bosso secretary Andrew Tapela said before the team’s departure to South Africa they were looking forward to a good game with Jomo Cosmos.
“This match is very important for us because it gives the coach an opportunity to test his players against different opposition. We have been struggling in the league and this match will help us correct some of the mistakes we have been making. We hope the team will come back on track and fight for honours in the league,” said Tapela.
The Bulawayo side has become a pale shadow of the team that dominated local football between 1999 and 2002 and the clash with Jomo Cosmos will give Egyptian coach Mohammed Fathy an opportunity to fine tune his side before they resume their domestic campaign.
Xenophobic violence broke out almost immediately after the final game of the World Cup tournament two weeks ago, with the attacks mostly concentrated in parts of the Western Cape province.
State security forces quickly deployed in the affected areas. But sporadic attacks have continued mostly targeting small grocers shops owned by foreigners.
With more attacks reported in parts of the central and most populous Gauteng province there are growing fears of a repeat of the 2008 xenophobic violence that left at least 62 immigrants dead and tens of thousands others displaced.
Post published in: Football