Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub, Bikita Minerals 1-2 Highlanders
HENDRIKUS Pieter de Jongh’s second spell at Highlanders began with a roar. With Bosso teetering dangerously close to the relegation zone, the Dutchman brought instant relief yesterday as his side edged Bikita Minerals 2–1 in a high-stakes encounter at Gibbo Stadium.
De Jongh, who famously delivered the 2019 Chibuku Super Cup, returned to replace interim coach Try Ncube following a dismal run of just one win in eight matches. Yesterday’s clash was far more than just another fixture — both teams were level on 29 points before kick-off, making it a true relegation six-pointer.
Highlanders wasted no time asserting themselves. In the 12th minute, Reason Sibanda won a penalty after being fouled inside the box. New Nigerian signing Benjamin Oluwarothim, on loan from Gwanda Pirates, stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick to mark his debut in style.
Bikita attempted to wrest back control, pushing numbers forward and enjoying spells of possession, but they lacked precision in the final third. Tinaye Tsimba, Tadiwanashe Murasiranwa, and Fitzgerald Banda all squandered good chances, while the absence of midfielder Spencer Mugariri left them short of rhythm.
Bosso doubled their lead just before the interval. Mason Mushore delivered a teasing cross and Sibanda, who had earlier won the penalty, finished with conviction to put De Jongh’s men firmly in command.
Wilson Mutekede’s side returned from the break with renewed urgency. Substitutes Keith Mathe and Royn Nyamono injected fresh energy, and Nyamono eventually pulled one back in the 85th minute. But Highlanders, who had looked fragile in recent weeks, stood firm this time. They absorbed the pressure and saw out a win that meant far more than just three points.
“I’m proud of the boys — they showed discipline and the fight needed at this stage of the season,” De Jongh said.
“This is only the beginning, but we must keep working because every game is a final from now.”
The victory lifted Highlanders to ninth place on 32 points, giving them a slender cushion in a congested relegation battle that still includes Triangle, CAPS United, Yadah, Chicken Inn, and GreenFuel — all packed within a few points of each other.
For Bikita, the defeat was a bitter blow. Mutekede admitted his players had let the game slip.
“We created chances but gave away soft goals. At this stage of the season, you can’t afford that,” he said, already turning his focus to their next assignment against TelOne.
For Bosso’s fans, however, this was about more than climbing the table. Watching their returning coach celebrate with his debut scorer felt like the beginning of something they had missed for weeks — hope.
