Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira at Barbourfields Stadium
Highlanders 0-1 Herentals
THIS was, by any measure, Highlanders’ worst performance at Barbourfields Stadium this season. Signs of an impending collapse were evident well before the final whistle, as disillusioned fans streamed towards the exits with ten minutes still to play.
Herentals secured a 1-0 victory, delivering a significant psychological blow to Bosso and ending Highlanders’ unbeaten home run in the league. The decisive goal arrived early in the second-half when Ralph Kawonzera capitalised on a calamitous defensive error by Arthur Ndlovu.
However, the final score only tells part of the story, as Highlanders, despite dominating possession and chances in the first-half, spectacularly imploded after the break.
“We lost it from the warm-up,” admitted a candid Kelvin Kaindu, whose frustration mirrored that of the home crowd. “We lacked something. As a coach, you can tell from the warm-up when it’s going to be a difficult day. We looked a bit rusty. Tactically and physically, they were far ahead of us.”
Highlanders began energetically, with Mafios Chihweta forcing an early save and missing further chances. However, their dominance waned due to a lack of precision, allowing Herentals’ Wilmore Chimbetu to test the Bosso keeper. The turning point arrived just two minutes into the second-half when Ralph Kawonzera capitalised on a calamitous defensive error by Arthur Ndlovu to score. From that moment, Highlanders’ confidence visibly drained as Herentals matured into the game.
“It’s a deserved victory. We’re very happy to have beaten Highlanders again. Last year we won here for the first time, and now we’ve done it again. These three points are crucial, especially for the confidence of our new players. “I always tell my boys — if you manage the crowd and prevent the team with the big support from creating clear-cut chances, you’ll turn that crowd against them. That’s exactly what we did today, and it worked,” said Herentals coach Celestino Benza.
Highlanders created late chances to equalise, with Rauzhi forcing a strong save and Andrew Mbeba’s curling effort cleared off the line by Tinotenda Benza. Tensions flared in the first-half during a melee after Mason Mushore’s tackle, and Bosso players fiercely protested an unpunished foul on Rauzhi.
Despite a late surge from the hosts, Herentals’ disciplined defence held firm, securing a deserved victory. This defeat, following last week’s loss to ZPC Kariba, sees pressure mounting on Kaindu as Highlanders risk slipping from contention.
Teams
Highlanders: Raphael Pitisi (gk), Arthur Ndlovu, Melikhaya Ncube, Reason Sibanda (Prince Ndlovu, 57mins), Malvern Hativagoni, Brighton Ncube (Mbonisi Ncube, 68mins), Mason Mushore (Tendai Muvuti, 77mins), Never Rauzhi (Never Rauzhi, 77mins), Achford Faira (Andrew Mbeba, 57mins), Luckmore Mutumbi, Mafios Chihweta.
Herentals: Tinotendaishe Takarinda (gk), Wilmore Chimbetu, Tawanda Chisi, Tinashe Mupumha, Ralph Kawondera, Erick Dombo (Zibusiso Rugucu, 68mins), Brighton Majarira, Melvin Mukuwa, Clemence Govu (Blessing Phiri, 46mins), Innocent Benza (John Zhuwawu, 46mins), Tinotenda Benza (Panashe Kanavheti, 90mins).
I don’t like the comment that this was Highlanders’ worst performance so far. In fact it was Herentals’ best performance against Highlanders. Bosso played its normal game but were simply outclassed by a well organised and better tactical Herentals. To sports journalists, sometimes it is professional to say things as they are.