Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Dynamos midfielder Perfect Chikwende once again showed why experience and quality remain priceless commodities after inspiring the Harare giants to a hard-fought draw against Highlanders in Sunday’s Battle of Zimbabwe at Barbourfields Stadium.
While the 1-1 stalemate extended Dynamos’ long wait for a victory over their traditional rivals in Bulawayo, Chikwende’s moment of brilliance ensured DeMbare left with a point after coming from behind in a fiercely contested encounter.
The clash was characterised by tactical discipline and few clear-cut chances, with individual brilliance ultimately deciding the outcome.
Highlanders drew first blood when Mongameli Tshuma’s burst into the box forced Dynamos defender Clive Mandivei into a challenge, leaving referee Brighton Chimene with little hesitation in pointing to the spot. Benjamin Adeogun made no mistake from 12 yards to put Bosso ahead.
With Highlanders seeking to protect their lead, Dynamos needed inspiration and Chikwende provided it.
The veteran midfielder produced a dazzling run through the Bosso defence before creating space for in-form striker Frank Agyemang, who calmly finished past Highlanders goalkeeper Aron Ngwenya to restore parity.
Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe reserved special praise for Chikwende, saying his quality and experience continue to add immense value to the team.
“On a good day, if Perfect is fully fit, I know he can do wonders,” Mangombe said.
“His movement on and off the ball is very good and he created that chance from nothing. At the end of the day we managed to get that goal.
“I think he is adding value to the team and that maturity is also working for us.”
Ahead of the encounter, concerns had been raised over Highlanders’ preparations, but Mangombe dismissed suggestions that they had any psychological effect on his players, describing them as mind games.
“Some of these things are actually mind games. A professional player, even if he is not training with the team, trains individually,” he said.
“You could see from their fitness and the off-the-ball runs that they played the whole 90 minutes and even wanted to play beyond the added time.
“If you really rely on those things, at the end of the day you will lose the game. I am happy that we managed to come back and equalise.”
With the season already in the second half, Mangombe refused to be drawn into discussing title ambitions, insisting his side remains focused on taking one game at a time.
“I don’t want to comment much on that one, but as of now we just want to take every game as it comes and make sure that we are in a very good position,” he said.
