Bosso in fourth draw

Veronica Gwaze in Shamva, Zimpapers Sports Hub

Simba Bhora 0-0 Highlanders

BENJANI Mwaruwari’s first review as Highlanders coach is fast approaching, and the results are not giving him much cover.

Another draw, this time a goalless outing against Simba Bhora at Wadzanayi yesterday, leaves Bosso with just four points from four matches, still searching for rhythm and authority early in the season.

It is not the return expected when Mwaruwari took over, with an initial five-game assessment looming and only modest signs of progress so far.

His side have now drawn all four matches, 1-1 against Bulawayo Chiefs, 2-2 with Dynamos, 0-0 against MWOS, and now this stalemate in Shamva, a run that keeps them afloat but far from convincing.

Mwaruwari did not shy away from the reality, though he pointed to the travel demands his side has faced.

“This game was tough for us. We have been affected by too much travelling in a short space of time, so for me it is a point gained,” he said.

Highlanders struggled to impose themselves early, with Simba Bhora taking control and dictating the tempo in the opening exchanges.

The visitors slowly grew into the match, with Mwaruwari setting up a compact back line that offered some defensive balance while allowing width through Prince Ndlovu and Mongameli Tshuma. It gave Bosso some presence on the flanks, but the cutting edge remained missing.

Simba Bhora threatened first in the 18th minute when Tevin Naweseb skipped past Lawrence Mhlanga and Tawanda Shenje, only to see his effort blocked by Reward Muza, who would go on to anchor Highlanders’ resistance.

Webster Tafa came close five minutes later, his shot taking a deflection before drifting away from danger, as Simba continued to push.

Never Tigere then tested Muza twice in quick succession, first from a free kick and then from open play, with the Highlanders goalkeeper producing sharp saves to keep his side level heading into the break.

Simba returned with more intent after halftime, probing a Highlanders side that began to lose shape following changes from the bench.

The introduction of Kudakwashe Mahachi for Ndlovu disrupted Bosso’s attacking flow, forcing Never Rauzhi and

Tshuma to drop deeper and leaving Benjamin Adejuon isolated upfront.

Despite the pressure from both ends, neither side found the breakthrough, the match fading into a result that does little to ease the questions building around Mwaruwari’s start.

For Simba Bhora, the frustration was just as clear, especially at home.

“I think we dropped two points. We have not yet won at home and now that is the pressure we have. We need to start collecting maximum points in our backyard,” said coach Mandla Mpofu.

Meanwhile, Chicken Inn and Ngezi Platinum Stars settled for a goalless draw in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter that turned into a tactical battle rather than a spectacle at Barbourfields Stadium.

Chicken Inn began with purpose, pushing forward in search of an early breakthrough. However, despite enjoying more of the ball, their attacking moves often fizzled out in the final third of the game and it ended in that stalemate.
Ngezi Platinum Stars remained compact and organised, with Tonderai Ndiraya’s team seemingly content to absorb pressure and rely on quick transitions. Their defensive structure frustrated the hosts throughout the match.