Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Herentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
BENJANI MWARUWARI and his Highlanders returned to Rufaro yesterday for their visit of the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign.
But there was still no taste of victory for the former Warriors skipper on his travels to the capital as Bosso coach.
Despite taking the lead against Herentals yesterday, Mwaruwari could only watch in anguish as his charges endured yet another erratic show, and could only settle for a draw against the menacing Students. On his previous assignments at Rufaro, Mwaruwari presided over a 2-2 draw against Dynamos before settling for a goalless deadlock with champions Scottland.
Yesterday’s result meant Bosso have now drawn eight of their 10 matches so far this term as they have won only once against Chicken Inn at Barbourfields, while losing 2-1 to CAPS United at the same venue last Sunday.
Former Manchester City man Mwaruwari is worried about the spate of draws by his Highlanders.
In yesterday’s match, the Bulawayo giants drew first blood when Zambian striker Isaac Ngoma slotted home from the penalty spot, but Tinashe Mazambani headed the home side back on level terms at the stroke of half time.
It was Ngoma’s second goal in three games for Highlanders, but they have not been adequate so far to guarantee Bosso consistent wins.
The draw took Herentals points tally to 17, five behind leaders CAPS United, who play Bulawayo Chiefs at the same venue today.
For Highlanders, the draw was yet another setback as they struggle to find their feet in the league this season. It felt like a slap in their face especially after fluffing clear chances and subsequently allowed the Students to claw back into it.
They could even have dropped all the points without a stroke of luck right towards the death had the far side assistant not controversially flagged Webster Dombo’s goal.
“We needed to defend well, and we didn’t, and we got our chances, we didn’t convert them,” lamented Mwaruwari.
“It’s disappointing, but that’s football. You know, first half we dominated, as I said. Second half, it was all theirs. We looked disjointed. Normally, we come strong in the second half, playing good football, but second half we didn’t do that. We were disjointed, and they could have buried that game if luck wasn’t on their side.”
Herentals coach Paul Benza said it was a difficult game which could have gone either way.
“It was a very difficult match but overall I’m happy, especially with the way the boys addressed themselves when we were one goal down,” said Benza.
“I’m very happy because coming back against a team like Highlanders and a team that is not winning games, it’s something that I should credit everybody.
“Overall I’m very happy.”
Highlanders were fast off the blocks with Mongameli Tshuma creating a lot of chances, but Ngoma, Prince Ndlovu and Never Rauzhi failed to utilise them.
Tshuma’s trickery was always going to earn Bosso a goal and with six minutes before the break, he was felled inside the box.
Ngoma stepped up and rolled down Herentals goalkeeper Tinotendaishe Takarinda’s left to give the guests the lead.
They could have added one or even two more but scoring in open play was looking difficult for them.
Herentals are fighters. They were always going to find their way back.
And they did right before the break when forcing a corner kick, which Wilmore Chimbetu whipped in and it caused commotion in the box.
Amid the sixes-and-sevens moment, Mazambani latched on to level the scores.
Teams:
Herentals: Tinotendaishe Takarinda, Joseph Chitavira, Milton Chimedza, Tinashe Mupumha, Elasto Chigora (Blessed Moyo 80min), Prince Mahembe, Blessing Phiri, Ralph Kawondera, Tinashe Mazambani (Lot Chiwunga 74min), Wilmore Chimbetu, Innocent Benza (Webster Dombo 46min) (Miguel Feldman 74min)
Highlanders: Aaron Ngwenya, Nomore Chinyerere, Mongameli Tshuma, Prince Ndlovu, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Mvelo Khoza, Rainsome Pavari (Shepherd Mhlanga 46min), Tawanda Shenje, Never Rauzhi, Marvin Sibanda (Dominic Jaricha 58min), Issac Ngoma (Benjamin Odeogun 58min)
