Bosso loss a first in 18 years

By Sikhumbuzo Moyo

BONGANI Mafu became the first Highlanders FC coach in 18 years to lose an opening match of the season when he lost 0-2 to ZPC Kariba on Saturday.

Goals from Raphael Manuwire from the penalty spot and Artwel Nyamiwa were enough to condemn the Bulawayo giants. Bosso last lost an opening match on April 5, 1997 when they fell 1-2 to AmaZulu at Barbourfields Stadium.

Since then they have managed to collect 44 points, having drawn two matches in 1998 when they drew 1-1 with an expensively assembled Blackpool that was led by Chris Sambo. Last season, they drew 0-0 against Chapungu at Ascot Stadium.

Mafu was not available yesterday for comment as his mobile was off.

While Highlanders were biting the dust, new kids on the block Tsholotsho were on cloud nine after stunning highly fancied Harare City 1-0 at Rufaro Stadium on Friday.

Very few gave the Lizwe Sweswe-coached boys any chance while Harare City could have been victims of complacency. Iziqholo ZeZhwane’s next assignment will be against Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.

Dynamos got off to a flying start as they began the defence of their crown with a 3-0 crushing of Buffaloes, the first time that they have won their opening match of the season in five years.

Bosso’s day one results since 1997:

Highlanders 1-2 AmaZulu (1997), Highlanders 1-1 Blackpool (1998), Highlanders 1-0 Tongogara 1999/00), Circle United 1-2 Highlanders (2001), Chapungu 0-2 Highlanders (2002), Highlanders 3-0 Hwange (2003), Highlanders 3-1 Sporting Lions (2004), Highlanders 1-0 Railstars (2005), Chapungu 1-2 Highlanders (2006), Highlanders 1-0 Lengthens (2007), Highlanders 4-0 Njube Sundowns (2008), Highlanders 1-0 Gunners (2009), Highlanders 2-1 Black Mambas (2010), Highlanders 3-0 Shabanie Mine (2011), Highlanders 4-0 Blue Rangers (2012), Shabanie 0-2 Highlanders (2013) and Chapungu 0-0 Highlanders (2014).

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Source: The Chronicle