daniel chigunwe
Bulawayo Bureau
HIGHLANDERS finally ended their win-less run in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League as Marvin Sibanda scored an all-important goal in the second half to prevail over bottom-placed Hwange at Barbourfields yesterday.
A touch of brilliance from Marvin Sibanda was all Highlanders needed to finally put past their six-game win-less streak as they beat Hwange one nil.
Sibanda scored the only goal of the match soon after the start of the second half with a brilliant first-touch shot from inside the box.
It was Sibanda’s second goal in Bosso colours after he also netted in their one-all draw against Bikita Minerals last week.
Both teams had a dreary display of football in the first half. It was for Sibanda to make an impressive impact at the start of the second half calmly netting the ball from inside the box.
That goal, which separated matters between both teams, was nothing short of brilliance.
It was a sigh of relief for Highlanders, who had gone for six matches without a win.
For coach Kelvin Kaindu, the win was a confidence booster.
“It was good for us to break the spell that we have been going through in terms of drawing. We looked much better when we started the second half and one could tell that the goals were about to come,” said Kaindu.
He said they had read well how their opponents were playing a delaying tactic and had to capitalise on that.
“We saw how Hwange was playing. They kept on delaying, so we needed to up our game. We were cautious that if we score, we mustn’t get too excited.”
Hwange head coach Rodwell Dhlakama said although they lost, he credited his players for holding the fort.
“We lost but I give it to the boys for their resilience, fighting spirit, and determination. We wanted to win, considering where we are coming from. Where were are in the log standings is not pretty well.
“The problem is that most of the time we celebrate mediocrity. I didn’t see much in terms of what I expected from the opposition. I thought we also scored a genuine goal, but the writing is on the wall. We lost and go back to the drawing board. The team has not been doing well, but from what I saw today, they are on the right track,” said Dhlakama.
Highlanders could have scored in the 16th minute in a Godfrey Makaruse long range which met a stead Wellington Muuya, who was in goal for Hwange.
In the 19th minute, Chipangano’s effort by Prosper Mathe went to waste as he guided it wide.
Online Reporter