tawandamusarurwa
Langton Nyakwenda
Yadah Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 2
NOT many knew the boy before kick-off and a few even took notice when he was introduced after the hour.
But in the end, it was all about Highlanders debutant Calvin Chigonero, who fired a brace inside 10 minutes as Bosso punished Yadah Stars at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
The 22-year-old scored his first-ever Castle Lager Premier Soccer League goal in the 71st minute, just eight minutes after coming on, when he controlled Andrew Mbeba’s cross before firing past a hapless Panashe Nyabunga.
Chigonero then completed his brace in the 80th minute after capitalising on a mistake by Nyabunga.
The Yadah goalkeeper, who, however, had been brilliant all afternoon, gifted Chigonero with the ball and the striker hit the cross bar on his first attempt before volleying home the rebound.
The Bosso debutant played for Talen Vision in the Southern Region Division One League last season.
Yesterday, he introduced himself in style as Highlanders grabbed a crucial away win that took them to 11 points, level with log leaders CAPS United, who play Chicken Inn at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
“I want to thank the coaches for believing in me,” said Chigonero.
“It’s difficult in your debut but the coaches encouraged me, and, in the end, I was able to do it.”
Yadah Stars were taught the harsh lesson that possession does not always translate to winning.
The Miracle Boy’s coach, Expense Chitukutuku, is nicknamed “Pep” because he loves the passing game just like Manchester City gaffer Pep Guardiola.
However, it seems his players do not know what to do with the ball, especially in the second and final third of the pitch.
They enjoyed most of the possession but it was Highlanders who were dangerous the few times they ventured forward.
Stanley Ngala hit the bar from long range in the second minute and Lynoth Chikuhwa headed wide 10 minutes later after getting to the end of a cross by Archford Faira.
A minute later, Ngala shot straight at the ’keeper after he was fed by Chikuhwa.
Yadah midfielder King Nadolo was then thwarted by Ariel Sibanda, before Junior Zindoga placed his effort wide after he was played through by the menacing Prosper Kafelapanjira.
Zindoga’s best moment came in the 34th minute, when he went on a mazy run on the right, flying past Bosso defenders, before hitting the side netting.
Yadah’s centre-back pair of Brian Kadamaja and skipper Clive Mandivei also caught the eye.
Chitukutuku refused to blame his charges.
“The boys played well because they are working hard at training. They showed improvement in ball retention,” he said.
“We always talk about ball possession at training because we know you don’t score when you don’t have the ball.
“But we are working on scoring and I am sure the youngsters will start scoring,” he said.
Yadah went into the match with a 25 percent chance of winning, having won only two of their previous eight meetings with Highlanders.
And they succumbed to yet another defeat at the hands of the Bulawayo giants.
Interestingly, Bosso have picked up more points away from home this season.
Of their 11 points, seven have been won on the road.
“As we have said before, this is a process,” said Bosso coach Brito.
“Yes, we have to improve and make sure we are also good at home.”
Highlanders host Hwange at Barbourfields Stadium next weekend.TEAMS:
Yadah Stars: P. Nyabunga, B. Kadamanja, M. Faranando, M. Mlilo, T. Musariri, C. Mandivei, J. Zindoga, K. Nadolo, P. Kafelapanjira (W. Kamudyariwa 62), B. Ndereki, C. Moffat
Highlanders: A. Sibanda, D. Mhindirira, L. Chikuhwa, M. Mushore (W. Navaya 86), A. Mbeba, P. Muduhwa, S. Ngala, D. Mukuli (B. Manhire 62), A. Faira, M. Ndlovu, M. Ncube (C Chigonero 62),
Results:
Green Fuel 2 – 3 Ngezi Platinum
FC Platinum 1 – 1 Triangle 1
Hwange 1 – 0 Cranborne Bullets 0
Black Rhinos 0 – 0 Herentals
Yadah 0 – 2 Highlanders
Online Reporter