Highlanders coach Erol Akbay has hailed his team's strength in depth as he prepares for the trip to struggling Chapungu in the Zimbabwe Premier League on Saturday.
Winless airmen Chapungu prop up the 18-team log table with a mere two points from six matches and coach Tendai Chikuni could well become the first casualty of the new campaign if the rot endures.
In contrast, Highlanders have been virtually flawless since the shock 1-0 loss at home to top flight returnees Shabanie Mine on matchday two. The Bulawayo giants have won three matches on the bounce to climb to the top of the standings with 12 points, two ahead of second-placed Ngezi Platinum.
"The last five games have been okay for us," Akbay said. "But that also means every game that we play is tricky now because you are on top of the log and everybody wants to beat you.
"We have to focus on the games and make sure that we don't make a mistake in every game that we have to play and this includes our game against Chapungu."
The Dutch coach is however convinced that Bosso have the requisite squad depth to cope with the rigours of a long season thanks to the presence of a bevy of talented young players within their ranks.
While the form of established names like Simon Munawa, Allan Gahadzikwa, Rodrick Mutuma, Rahman Kutsanzira, Prince Dube and Ralph Matema have been central to Highlanders' flying start, it is fact the young talent floating on the fringes that has Akbay bristling with excitement.
The arrival of classy 18-year-old midfielder Denzel Khumalo from Bantu Rovers has swelled the ranks of a youth brigade that already included Brian Banda, Adrian Silla, King Nadolo, Bukhosi Ncube and Godfrey Mataruse to give the log leaders some genuine quality in reserve.
"I cannot complain about my team," Akbay intoned. "I have lots of opportunities to change the style of the team, I have a lot of different players and that makes my team very strong.
"I have talented young players and that's why I am very happy ... They have lots of energy and it is good for us."
The Bosso boss has been particularly impressed by Khumalo, whom he describes as "one of the most talented players in this country."
In addition, he is also convinced that the arrival of enigmatic forward Rodrick Mutuma has allowed rising star Prince Dube to flourish upfront.
"Last season Dube was scoring at the beginning but later it was not so good," he said. "But he did need a player who can play around him and who can combine well with him and this season we have Rodrick.
"Because you are always looking for a good combination, which player can play good with the other player. So far the combination of Rodrick and Prince has worked for us."
Another big factor working in Highlanders' favour as they go all out in search of a first title since 2006 is continuity.
Akbay may have missed out on his top transfer targets due to the team's financial constrains but he did manage to keep hold of virtually his entire team from last term.
"Everybody knows what I want," he stated. "I am now in my second year and most of the players are still there and that's why for me it's easier to make a good team. The players know me and know what I want."
Highlanders are without injured captain Eric Mudzingwa and suspended left-back Honest Moyo for the visit to Chapungu.
Full Fixtures Saturday
ZPC Kariba Vs Bulawayo City, Tsholotsho Vs Harare City, Ngezi Platinum Vs Shabanie Mine, Chapungu Vs Highlanders, Bantu Rovers Vs Yadah. Sunday Chicken Inn Vs How Mine, FC Platinum Vs Hwange, Triangle Vs Black Rhinos.