An Independence year classic that produced 11 goals

Sports Reporter

WHAT about taking a journey down memory lane?

Back to where it all started, in 1980, as this country celebrated its Independence.

Highlanders reached three cup finals and won two of them, including a memorable 3-2 victory over Dynamos in the inaugural Heroes Cup.

They also thrashed Rio Tinto 4-0 to win the Chibuku Trophy with Mark Watson scoring a hattrick.

Bosso were well beaten by league champions CAPS United in the Rothmans Shield final, which was played over two legs.

Little did the two sides know that the Battle of the Cities rivalry had just been born.

The Green Machine, parading some of the finest young footballers emerging on the scene, powered to a 4-2 first leg win.

They completed their mission with a 4-1 second leg victory.

“That was a mesmerising side,” Bosso legend, Douglas Mloyi, told our sister newspaper, Sunday News.

“That CAPS United was something else.

“It was unstoppable with Stix Mutizwa and the late quartet of Stanley Ndunduma, Joel Shambo, Friday Phiri and Shacky Tauro.

“First leg we lost 4-2 and we had hopes that our first-choice goalkeeper Peter Nkomo would make the difference after missing the first game due to commitments with the Moscow Olympics team.”

But Nkomo could not make it and his replacement, Marko Ncube, conceded four goals.

Bosso dusted themselves up and in the Heroes Cup, the first major football final held at Barbourfields, they caught the biggest fish of them all.

“I think what also sparred us on is that we had won the Chibuku Trophy,” said Mloyi.

“We had only one thing to do – to win the match for the Fallen and Living Heroes.

“We beat Dynamos 3-1, a team that went on to win the league title four times on the trot.

“It was a formidable side and I remember coming up against David George and Kembo Chunga.”

Tymon Mabaleka scored twice for Bosso while David Mhlanga added the third goal.