Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT was a tough Sunday in every sense for Highlanders. A late 1–0 defeat to PSL newcomers MWOS at Barbourfields marked their third home loss of the campaign, but the sting of the result was amplified by the tragic passing of former midfielder Brian Banda earlier in the day.
As the sombre news filtered through the stands, Barbourfields felt subdued. Even with flashes of attacking promise, Bosso lacked the sharpness to convert dominance into goals, and were punished for it.
Substitute Salif Cheya struck in the 87th minute to seal all three points for the visitors, who have now completed a stunning double over Highlanders in their debut season.
“It’s a painful one. I am very disappointed especially after dominating the match,” said interim coach Try Ncube, who is still finding his feet following Kelvin Kaindu’s departure.
Bosso looked the better side for most of the contest. Mvelo Khoza was lively early on, sending a rocket just over the bar before teeing up Hubert Ncube with a cross the striker couldn’t bury. Tendai Muvuti dazzled with some solo runs, but MWOS keeper Francis Tizayi was up to the task.
Still, it was MWOS who walked away with the spoils, and top spot on the log, thanks to Cheya’s late strike. Their coach Lloyd Mutasa gave credit to his players’ spirit.
“The boys persevere from the onset to the end and there’s an element of belief in themselves after the drawback . . . We were fortunate,” he said.
Warriors coach Michael Nees and Zifa vice-president Kennedy Ndebele were both in attendance, but it was Banda’s death that threw a dark cloud to dampen an otherwise good afternoon of football at Barbourfields as news of his death spread among the fans.
derick.khumalo