Highlanders 90 lose season opener

Raymond Jaravaza Sports Correspondent
Highlanders 90 1-3 Amagagasi

HIGHLANDERS 90 opened their Zifa Southern Region Division One League debut season with a 1-3 loss to Amagagasi at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.

The team, formerly known as Highlanders Academy, were curtain-raisers for their Premiership seniors, who lost 1-2 to FC Platinum.

Amagagasi midfielder Mutswa Gwara opened the score sheet in the second minute with a simple tap in after poor defending by the Highlanders 90 back line.

Nhlanhla Ndlovu doubled the score line in the 26th minute with a long range shot that beat goalkeeper Nkosana Maseko all systems out.

Ndlovu could have grabbed a brace in the 33rd minute but failed to beat Maseko in a one-on-one situation.

Highlanders 90 pulled one back through a deflected Smart Daudi shot from outside the box in the 38th minute.

However, Amagagasi increased their lead further in the 50th minute courtesy of a Ndlovu shot from inside the box after some confusion between two Highlanders 90 defenders.

Highlanders 90 coach Melusi Sibanda said his players need to adjust to the tough Division One League.

“It’s a learning curve for us playing in Division One, which is a tough league, and the players need to understand that we’ll be playing very competitive teams every week. Our game wasn’t convincing, but there’s always room for improvement,” said Sibanda.

Amagagasi coach Zibonele Ncube said he told his players not to be overwhelmed by playing at Barbourfields Stadium.

“It’s not easy coming to Barbourfields and scoring three goals, but we managed to do it. Highlanders have skilful players and our game plan was to deny them the opportunity to control the game,” said Ncube.

Teams

Highlanders 90: Nkosana Maseko, Khulumani Moyo, Abide Ncube, Smart Daudi, Charlton Siamalonga, Talent Machimbirike, Arnold Ndiweni, Percy Maphosa, Ray Lunga (Rowan Sibanda 80 mins) Ryan Mabhena, Thamsanqa Ncube

Amagagasi: Wellington Muuya, Fortune Ncube (Innocent Ndlovu), Bright Dzowa, Bekithemba Ndlovu, Fungai Karipache, Darlignton Tshabalala, Fundani Nkomo, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Mutswa Gwara, Simo Muli (Njabulo Sibanda 80 mins)