Highlanders juggernaut continues to roll

From Jabes Lefani in Kadoma

Black Rhinos………………..0

Highlanders……………..(1) 3

The Highlanders juggernaut continues to roll and in the process claimed its 14th victim when the Bulawayo giants pulverised Black Rhinos and consolidated their lead at the top of the Castle Lager Premiership soccer table in a lively match at Rimuka yesterday.

The Bulawayo giants warmed-up for next weekend’s “Battle of Zimbabwe” against champions and old rivals Dynamos by firing three second half goals without reply against Black Rhinos to maintain their two-point lead over their nearest rivals Dynamos ahead of next weekend’s crunch match at Barbourfields.

Bosso got their goals through Njabulo “JB” Ncube and a brace by Masimba Mambare. The Kelvin Kaindu-coached side created a little piece of history when they came out victors in this impregnable ground in which no team, including the mighty Dynamos, has won and scored as many games ended goalless.

Rhinos had not previously lost a match at Rimuka and their unbeaten home record started in June when they adopted the venue as their home ground which saw them playing six home games without a defeat, drawing four and winning two matches as they beat the Zvishavane-based sides Shabanie Mine and FC Platinuim with an identical 2-0 scorelines.

The army side, however, paid the price of not utilising their chances in the first half in yesterday’s match in which they virtually camped in their opponents half but the chief culprit was Phillip Marufu.

The tactical plan devised so shrewdly by Kaindu in the second half worked in his side’s favour. The introduction of super-sub Beaven Chikaka, who replaced Hilary Madzivanyika in the 46th minute, proved to be a good move as the fresh pair of legs wasted no time in making a contribution in the 54th and 73rd minute which saw Mambare grabbing his brace.

Chikaka first picked up a loose ball in the Rhinos half and his defence-splitting pass was collected by Mambare who made a spirited solo run on the right flank and his grounder beat keeper Herbert Rusawo all systems out in the 54th minute.

Mambare was at it again when he completed a double when he slammed home a searching cross from Chikaka from the right in the 73rd minute.

But it was veteran striker Njabulo Ncube who grabbed home Bosso’s opening goal in the 41st minute when he headed home a Milton Ncube cross to become the first player to score for any visiting team against Rhinos at Rimuka.

The Rhinos defenders were to blame for this goal as they slept on duty, allowing Milton Ncube to flight the ball from the left flank. Marufu could have pushed his side ahead in the 20th minute but he failed to slide home a Lot Chiwunga’s cross.

That could have easily been a goal had he not hesitated to pull the trigger. Marufu was very unfortunate again in the 38th minute when his thunderous long drive was brilliantly saved by Bosso goalminder Munyaradzi Diya who had to use his legs to save it.

Kaindu saluted his guys for a job well done after the match.

“First and foremost I would like to pay tribute to the players for a job well executed. They just did what the doctored had ordered and played to instructions.

“At training I always preach to the guys that they must believe in themselves if they are entertaining any means of clinging the title and never ever rely on other team’s strength that they will do the job for them but to remain focused in what they want to achieve,’’ said the elated Zambian gaffer.

Rhinos coach Arthur Tutani conceded defeat and said they lost to a better side and lamented the missed chances but was quick to point out that his side is still in relegation and will have to conjure up a winning formula to rescue themselves as time is not on their side.

Njabulo Ncube said he was over the moon after becoming the first player to have scored for the visitors at this venue.

“In life there is always a first time and I am happy that I am the first player to have scored at Rimuka for any visiting team against Rhinos this season and this achievement goes to all our loyal fans,’’ Njabulo Ncube said.

This game was also watched by national team coach Ian Gorowa who was seen taking notes as the game progressed. The Herald