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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
Highlanders ……………………………………. 0
Caps United ………………………………..(1) 2
HIGHLANDERS put up a lifeless performance that saw them fall to a spirited Caps United in a friendly soccer encounter at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
Even the new signings Tinashe Chipunza and Master Masitara failed to justify their inclusion in the team on a day when rightback Lawson Nkomo and National University of Science and Technology student Gabriel Nyoni were the only Bosso players who played purposeful football.
Caps United opened their account with a well taken goal from Terence Gonzo late in the first half before Bensen Maglasi put the icing on the cake with an equally beautiful goal in the 78th minute.
Credit goes to Caps United who exhibited an exciting brand of football that even won the hearts of some Highlanders players.
Coach Taurai Mangwiro fielded a largely youthful side that included two players, Tinovimbo Muskwe and Takudzwa Mahori who were part of Team Harare’s provincial Zimbabwe National Youth Games squad that ended on Saturday.
“It’s a project we are working on and I think if they maintain this momentum we shall be able to reap well from them,” said Mangwiro.
The first half had little action as probably the visiting team’s youngsters were trying to get used to the Barbourfields turf but when they eventually found the rhythm, they were just a marvel to watch especially their passing game.
Highlanders on the other hand, could not exchange clean passes although they were good at gaining possession.
Douglas Sibanda, Hillary Madzivanyika, Knox Mutizwa and Chipunza seemed to be running out of ideas whenever in attack. The strikeforce that had Masitara did not even have a shot at goal until his eventually substitution for Beavan Chikaka eight minutes into the second half.
Chipunza and Madzivanyika were also taken out for Bhekimpilo Ncube and Heritein Masuku respectively.
“I think the new guys need to be given some time but I was impressed with the performance of Nyoni, he really showed his intention and could add value to the team. I am really getting worried at the rate that we are losing, especially here at home, it’s quite worrying,” said a dejected Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu.
Highlanders have had a terrible second half of the season performance and at the rate they are losing matches, it’s probably time they worry about a top eight finish instead of fooling themselves that they might fight for the league title.
Makepekepe, ruled out of championship contention even before the season started, are dark horses in the race and anyone ruling them out of the race now will be committing suicide.
Teams:
Highlanders
A Katsande, I Mapuranga (B Tshuma 56th minute), L Nkomo, E Mudzingwa, H Madzivanyika (H Masuku 53rd minute), D Sibanda, T Chipunza (B Ncube 53rd minute), K Mutizwa (L Nyoni 66th minute), M Masitara (B Chikaka 53rd minute), G Nyoni (O Zibande 79th minute), D Ndlovu
Caps United
J Muchambo, S Makatuka (T Kumbuyani (89th minute), M Chinembeza, H Muchiso (T Nyamandwe 86th minute), A Chiveya, T Gonzo (B Maglasi 77th minute), T Mahori, D Rediyoni ( T Muskwe 56th minute), L Fiyado, B Mapfumo, B Zabula (T Munyanduri 81st minute)
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