Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS finally ended their win-less run but the 1–0 victory over GreenFuel at Barbourfields yesterday was overshadowed by protests on the terraces.
Mafious Chiweta’s scrappy first-half goal proved the difference in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter that never truly sparked into life.
The goal was dedicated to the late former Highlanders and FC Platinum midfielder Brian Banda.
The result, however, unfolded against a backdrop of discontent. A section of the Highlanders faithful staged a visible protest, brandishing placards calling for the removal of the club’s board and executive, accusing them of financial mismanagement and demanding greater accountability.
On the pitch, the match did little to change the atmosphere. Chiweta’s strike in the 40th minute, pouncing on a rebound to fire home his second goal in black and white, was one of few genuine moments of quality in a lacklustre first half. The goal gave Highlanders a deserved lead but came after a spell of missed chances and unconvincing play from both sides.
Chiweta had earlier tested goalkeeper Ashley Ryners with a tame effort in the 27th minute, and Mvelo Khoza’s whipped delivery from a free-kick soon after was only partially dealt with.
Reason Sibanda might have opened the scoring on the half-hour mark after Emmanuel Chikwende’s lapse, but his effort was blocked by Garikai Dematsika.
GreenFuel were sluggish before the break but improved in the second half.
Denzel Mapuwa failed to make a promising free-kick count just past the hour, but it was substitute Ronald Chitiyo who came closest to spoiling the hosts’ afternoon.
In the 76th minute, Chitiyo forced a reflex save from Reward Muza before rattling the crossbar with the follow-up. The visitors sensed an equaliser, with Mapuwa again denied and Andrew Mbeba forced into a last-ditch clearance off the line.
