Innocent Kurira At Barbourfields Stadium
Highlanders 0-0 Manica Diamonds
BENJANI Mwaruwari has reaffirmed his commitment to Highlanders, declaring his willingness to see out his contract as Bosso begin shaping their plans for next season, following a frustrating goalless draw against Manica Diamonds at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
The Highlanders coach, who has two years remaining on his contract, says he is ready to continue if the club’s leadership remains satisfied with his work, with opportunities already being handed to youngsters to prove they deserve places in next season’s squad.
The result, however, carried contrasting fortunes for the two sides, with Manica Diamonds becoming the first team to be relegated from the Premier Soccer League this season despite putting up a spirited fight against Bosso.
The Mutare side will return to the Eastern Region Division One with three league matches still to play, bringing an end to their top-flight campaign.
“I am still contracted and I have two years. If the bosses are happy with me, I will continue,” said Mwaruwari.
“We have been trying to give some youngsters a chance to show what they can do for us next year. Some of them are showing they can play. In the league we are trying to finish as high as we can.”
For Highlanders, it was an afternoon of missed opportunities and woodwork frustration, as they repeatedly came close to breaking the deadlock but could not find the decisive touch.
Mongameli Tshuma rattled the crossbar with a curled effort from outside the box, while the second half produced an even more dramatic series of near misses.
Substitute Reason Sibanda failed to capitalise on an early opportunity after the restart before Ask
Rupande struck the upright in the 55th minute. Shelton Moyo then sent an effort narrowly wide.
Prince Ndlovu came agonisingly close in the 63rd minute when his powerful long-range strike crashed against the upright, summing up Highlanders’ afternoon in front of goal.
Akim Nkomo also had an effort blocked before making a promising run down the left, but his attempt to find a teammate inside the box came to nothing.
The visitors nearly stole the points in injury time when Charles Teguru struck the upright before
Lawrence Mhlanga cleared the rebound off the line. Tanaka Chikumba then brushed the upright with the final kick of the match.
Highlanders survived a late scare, but the draw offered little comfort to either side, particularly
Manica Diamonds, whose relegation was confirmed despite their resilience.
Manica Diamonds coach Herbert Maruwa was encouraged by his team’s performance, especially the contribution of young players, but lamented the timing of their improvement.
“I am happy with the way the team played. We had so many youngsters who did well. It’s unfortunate that at a time the team is jelling, the games are running out. We have to make sure that even if the team goes down, we go down on a high note,” said Maruwa.
