adminBukhosi Mangena Sports Correspondent
HIGHLANDERS’ goalkeepers’ coach Cosmas Zulu is excited about his club’s latest acquisitions after they impressed in an invitational tournament played at Jahunda Stadium in Gwanda yesterday. Bosso, who were playing their first competitive match of the pre-season, edged Vumbachikwe 4-3.
Zulu said although they were impressed by the new boys, only head coach Erol Akbay will have the final say on who will make the 2016 squad.
“We’re happy with how they fared, especially going forward. We scored four goals and the players’ technical ability is awesome. However, we can’t promise anything yet because the new coach is the one that will have the final say on who is going to make the final team,” said Zulu.
Brian Banda, Danmore Chakwanda, Raymond Tangai and Julius Daudi are some of the new faces in the Highlanders’ first team that featured in yesterday’s game.
Banda and Chakwanda were recently promoted from the Highlanders’ Academy that won promotion into the Zifa Southern Region Division One league.
The duo gave the Vumbachikwe backline problems and it was no surprise when Chakwanda thrust Bosso into the lead in the 19th minute by finishing off an Adrian Silla pass.
Bosso doubled their lead in the 39th minute through a Peter Muduwa shot that beat a diving Brian Shoko in goals for the hosts.
Vumbachikwe were level five minutes before half time when they scored two goals in two minutes.
Forward Michael Moyo headed in a Steven Shoko cross before converting from the spot kick after Daudi had handled in the box.
Highlanders restored their lead through Tangai in the 66th minute before the hosts restored parity five minutes from the end.
Winger Arnold Ndiweni grabbed the winner for Bosso when he found himself at the end of a brilliant move involving Bukhosi Ncube and Brian Banda in added time.
Tournament organiser Abiniel Museva thanked the Bulawayo giants for helping market the Paralympics that will be held in Matabeleland South next month.
“We want to thank Highlanders for taking their time to come here because it was all done to market the upcoming Paralympic Games. It wasn’t about generating money, but to alert the public about the games,” said Museva.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter