Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Highlanders 1-0 GreenFuel
HIGHLANDERS finally brought an end to their three-game winless streak, but their narrow 1-0 win over GreenFuel at Barbourfields on Sunday played out in the shadow of something far more telling than the scoreline, unrest in the stands and a fanbase losing patience.
It was Mafious Chihweta’s scrappy 40th minute strike that proved the difference on a subdued afternoon in Bulawayo, but the mood inside the stadium was anything but triumphant.
Chihweta’s goal, a poacher’s finish after pouncing on a loose ball in the box, was dedicated to the late Brian Banda, the former Highlanders and FC Platinum midfielder who passed away recently. It was a touching gesture, but even that couldn’t lift the gloom hanging over Barbourfields.
This was a must-win for interim coach Try Ncube and his side, and while the result brought some relief, the overall feeling was hardly celebratory. A section of Bosso fans staged a peaceful protest, holding placards calling for the resignation of the club’s board and executive, accusing them of financial mismanagement and demanding accountability.
It was a bold statement from a fanbase known for its passion, and frustration. And it hung heavy over a match that never really caught fire.
Chihweta, who had earlier tested GreenFuel keeper Ashley Ryners with a tame shot in the 27th minute, made no mistake just before the break. Mvelo Khoza had swung in a dangerous free kick moments before, and the pressure eventually told. The goal was only his second in Bosso colours, and it came in one of their most emotionally charged matches of the season.
GreenFuel barely got going in the first-half, it was Bosso, who again, had a half chance when Reason Sibanda was denied by a sharp Garikai Dematsika block. But the visitors came alive after the interval.
Denzel Mapuwa wasted a good free kick just after the hour mark, and substitute Ronald Chitiyo almost punished Highlanders in the 76th minute. His effort was superbly saved by Reward Muza, and he struck the crossbar with the rebound. The visitors pushed hard late on, Mapuwa had another shot blocked and Andrew Mbeba cleared off the line, but Highlanders held firm.
This wasn’t a polished win. It was gritty, tense, and at times frantic, but it was the kind of result Highlanders desperately needed.
“It was a good game that started so well for us. We deserved that goal in the first-half,” said Ncube. “Mafious wasn’t feeling well, he had breathing issues, so we had to take him out. But it’s a good win for us.”
GreenFuel assistant coach Godfrey Tamirepi pointed to his team’s poor start.
“We didn’t keep the ball well, and we lost concentration. In the second-half we were much better, but Highlanders defended well.”
So while the scoreboard brought some comfort to Bosso’s technical team, the voices from the stands told a deeper story. The pressure on the pitch may have eased, but off it, the tension is still simmering.
Bongani Ndlovu