tawandamusarurwa
Langton Nyakwenda in KARIBA
ZPC Kariba….. 0
Highlanders… 0
LUKE MASOMERE loves to call himself the “Doctor of Football”, while some of his fans call him “Vahombe”, and he lived up to that billing as he masterminded an end to Highlanders’ winning streak at Nyamhunga Stadium yesterday.
Before yesterday’s match against ZPC Kariba, Bosso had won their last six Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixtures.
The result saw Bosso’s lead at the top reduced to five points after second-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars edged Bulawayo Chiefs 1-0 at Baobab Stadium.
Although Bosso have never beaten ZPC Kariba in the resort town, credit should go to Masomere and his men, who put up a spirited performance.
The hosts could have grabbed all the three points but seasoned goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda stood between them and a memorable win.
The Highlanders skipper produced the save of the day soon after the restart, when he dived to the right to block Foster Dhemere’s close-range effort.
Masomere thought his team actually dropped two vital points.
“Yes, we were playing against the best team in the league at the moment but we had also prepared well for this game,” he said.
“It was a game of two halves: first half, it didn’t work out well for us as Highlanders dominated.
“But second half, we came out stronger. We created more chances and could have scored one or two goals, but such is the nature of the game.”
Masomere made a double substitution after the break, introducing Samuel Makawa and Salif Cheya, and the move changed the complexion of the game.
ZPC Kariba seized control of proceedings and Bosso were under siege for most of the second half, with Makawa causing all sorts of problems for their defenders.
However, ZPC Kariba’s lack of precision upfront was their greatest undoing.
In some instances, Makawa’s neat crosses found no takers in the box.
Masomere has now been in charge of six games since his appointment on June 30.
He has three wins, two draws and one loss.
“So far so good; the team is moving in the right direction.
“We are fighting relegation, so we have to keep picking up points,” he said.
ZPC Kariba are now on 24 points from 18 matches.
They are, however, still in the relegation mix following wins by Sheasham and Simba Bhora yesterday.
But their playing style won the admiration of Highlanders coach Brito.
The Brazilian, who was on Friday named Coach of the Month for July, was happy with “a point gained”.
“I don’t have to blame anyone; in football, you win, you draw or you lose,” said Brito.
“I have to congratulate my boys. This is a very tough league and you can’t win all the games.
“For us, it’s a point gained because every point is crucial since we want to win the title.”
Bosso registered a fifth clean sheet and once again, cemented their credentials as serious title contenders.
League championships are usually won by teams with a strong defence.
Bosso’s back four of Peter Muduhwa, Mbongeni Ndlovu, Andrew Mbeba and Archford Faira has done well so far.
The Bulawayo giants have conceded four goals in an 18-match unbeaten run.
“Football here in Zimbabwe is not easy, so the less goals we concede, the better because we want the championship.”
Yet Bosso had their own chances, especially in the first half.
They also won set-pieces in delicate areas in the second half, which were taken by Mbeba.
However, in most situations, their forwards failed to breach the ZPC Kariba defence that was well-marshalled by the experienced duo of Boid Mutukure and Ian Nekati.
Kauya Katuruturu also featured the returning Raphael Manuvire, who also came close with a well-taken free-kick in the opening period.
Substitute Nigel Chipunza also came close to breaking the deadlock when he unleashed a 20-metre drive that narrowly missed the target in the 78th minute.
Masomere then threw in speedy winger Leeroy Murape for Moses Demera in the dying stages of the game, but the deadlock was still not broken.
Online Reporter