Highlanders end poor home run

By Ricky Zililo in BULAWAYO

Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 2 Whawha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 0

WASTEFUL Highlanders’ four-match winless streak in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League at Barbourfields came to an end yesterday with Obadiah Tarumbwa and Knox Mutizwa fired them to victory.

Tarumbwa, guilty of fluffing countless scoring opportunities, put Bosso ahead in the 24th minute, ghosting from the blind side to tap home a perfect Bruce Kangwa cross from the left.

The former champions had survived early raids from the prison warders who could have taken the lead after two minutes when an unmarked Michael Mageja opted to set up his teammate instead of directing his header at goal.

The crossbar then came to Highlanders’ rescue in the 12th minute when Roy Useni beat Bosso goalie Ariel Sibanda with a clever chip.

Highlanders returned from the break a more determined side and, unlike in the first half where Bosso had struggled to string even three complete passes and played second fiddle to Whawha, the hosts played at a high tempo.

Mutizwa’s 66th minute goal ejected Bosso fans from their seats and sparked wild celebrations among the fans.

One supporter couldn’t hold his joy, jumping onto the pitch to hug Bosso players and that silly move landed him in trouble as he was arrested by police.

Highlanders’ assistant coach Mandla Mpofu said they badly need the victory:

“We needed this win and credit to the boys who fought hard for this win. No doubt, this victory is a confidence-booster for our boys going into the next match against FC Platinum and others to come,” he said

Whawha were left to rue the chances they blew away.

“We paid dearly from missing the chances we created in the first minutes and playing a big team like Highlanders, if you don’t utilise your opportunities, you pay dearly for that,” said Whawha coach Lloyd Mutasa.

Teams

Highlanders: A. Sibanda, W. Chingodza, B. Kangwa, E. Mudzingwa, H. Moyo, M. Maphosa (G. Makaruse, 71st min), S. Munawa, W. Ndiweni (K. Nadolo, 66th min), R. Kutzanzira, K. Mutizwa, O. Tarumbwa

Whawha: M. Wurayayi, B. Chidzero, P. Maburutse, B. Chikwekwete, M. Machazane, G. Madamombe, S. Nhamo, R. Useni (T. Jukulile, 62nd min), C. Kapupurika, M. Mageja (A. Matewu, 40th min), C. Masocha (K. Bhuka, 74th min). The Chronicle