Online Reporter
THE Sunday News continues with its Highlanders@100 Years Series and this weekend we look at some of the best players to occupy the number 6 role now better known as anchorman.
He, (Number 6” or “anchorman) is the midfield anchor.
To many he is the brain and shield playing in front of the defence and to a global audience today
names such as Rodri, Casemiro and N’Golo Kanté come to the fore.
Good players in that role provide stability to the team.
Here’s what a good 6 does:
1. DEFENSIVE SHIELD
Sits in front of the back 4 and breaks up attacks before they start.
Tackles, intercepts, fouls tactically to kill counter-attacks
Covers space when fullbacks bomb forward
Job: “Make centrebacks’ lives easy”
2. PLAYMAKER FROM DEEP
First pass out from defence. Receives from CBs under pressure
Dictates tempo: slows it down, speeds it up, switches play
Keeps it simple: 5-yard passes to keep possession, not risky Hollywood balls
Job: “To be calm when everyone else is panicking”
3. POSITIONING and IQ
Reads the game 2 steps ahead. Sees danger and fills the gap
Body shape: Always half-turned to see both the ball and opponent
Communication: Shouts at CBs, CMs, fullbacks. Organizes the shape
He’s basically the coach on the pitch
4. TRANSITION MASTER
When we lose it: First man to press or delay to buy time
When we win it: Quick pass to the 8s or wingers to start attack
Turns defense → attack in 1-2 touches
What makes a GREAT Number 6 vs just an average one
Average 6
Elite 6
Just tackles
Tackles plus intercepts and anticipates
Passes sideways only
Passes sideways plus forward and switches
Follows the ball
Controls space and zones
Quiet
Constantly talks and organises
Key traits coaches look for:
Game intelligence – knows when to press, when to drop
Composure on the ball – doesn’t panic under press
Stamina plus Toughness – covers so much ground
Leadership – the team listens to him
Many great players have won the jersey or played the role and we go through some of the brilliant
players to make a mark.
For many of the 1970s era, Stanley Nyika is among the first names mentioned. He arrived from
Metal Box in 1974 and became a fan favourite guiding Bosso to the finals of the Castle Cup and
Chibuku Trophy. Despite losing in the final in both, his influence was big in the league, regional title won by Highlanders and a national league play-off of 1974.
Nyika was outstanding in 12974, 1975 and 1976 before leaving with other senior players to join
Olympics at the beginning of 1977. He would later move to Rio Tinto.
Willard Khumalo remains the most popular of those who watched Highlanders from 1982. Coming
through the club junior policy under Albert ‘Ali’ Dube for almost 12 years, he made the role his
personal property. Many came and failed to survive his influence and position in the packing order.
Bulky, charismatic but athletic, the skillful Khumalo dictated the pace, won tussles, scored from a
distance and above all read the game well. He would take one for the team in an intelligent way if
faced with a do-or-die moment at the back.
Khumalo played brilliant diagonal passes to speed merchant Madinda Ndlovu and dribblers Boy
Ndlovu, Chris Ncube and Tanny Banda.
David Mhlanga was at Independence the trusted Number 6 and featured in the club’s 1980 team
that won the Chibuku Trophy, reached the final of the Rothmans Shield and lost 8-3 to Caps United
in the Zifa Cup final. Great positional sense and team player, Mhlanga also got to be recognised for
his sure foot in penalty kicks.
Summer Ncube was tipped to shine but Khumalo’s imposing stature at the club in his teens in
which he was capped for the Under-20s and 23s and of course the senior national team, meant he
would not establish himself resulting in the talented midfielder moving to Botswana football.
Amin Soma-Phiri, a former striker at Olympics, turned to a Mr Fixit, playing at the heart of defence
if need arose, attacking striker or Number 6, he had the workrate and big match temperament. He
was combative and loved quick one-twos and then long pass wide and a rush to the box where he
meted out justice with a good jump and header.
Benjamin Nkonjera was not an ordinary day anchorman, small in stature but with a big heart,
‘Makanaky’ as fans called him, covered his area well, attacked with aplomb. He knew how to protect
his goal and back four by covering the final third brilliantly.
Like Khumalo, Nkonjera’s influence on the local game was taken to the Dream Team where he was
outstanding again like Khumalo.
Rahman Gumbo was at times played as an anchorman and being a skillful player, he appeared at
home playing with tact and authority. He surely was among the most outstanding on the role.
Benjamin Mpofu, the former Rio Tinto and Rio Dairibord star joined Highlanders in 1990 and
defined the new role. Combative and a grafter in front of central defence, diagonal passes, good
dribbling and taking of chances from range, aiding both defence and attack with a visible physical
presence punctuated by tight call fouls, he was outstanding for Amahlolanyama.
Every coach’s dream player Tito Paketh like Master Masiku, had cameo roles as they could be
played elsewhere, but were very good and intelligent players who made sure things happened in the
centre of the pack. Their matches in that role were few as they were played as Number 8 especially
Masiku while Paketh was home with the Number 10 role too.
Arum Tshuma had energy and ran around the department well from deep.
Blessing Gumiso arrived at Highlanders to play as a striker but was quickly converted to a defensive midfielder. He covered the position well despite lacking the grrrr…grrr factor to discipline
marauding opponents. He would stick to a troublesome opponent and frustrate him out of the game
and competed for a position with Alexander Phiri.
Phiri, the quiet giant of the Bosso midfield mastered positioning, had skills, distributed the ball with
ease and always stayed just in front of the back four, pivoted better than most of that era, but lacked
the big heart. His talent never got to expected heights as he often stayed out injured.
Bekithemba Ndlovu at times double anchored with Gumiso to prove an impenetrable defence wall
in matches.
Costa Maradzike also was played in the position like the talented Charles Chilufya, Honour
Gombami and Richard Choruma despite lacking the combativeness of the likes of Lloyd Chitembwe
of Caps United, Justin Majabvi’s all-round brilliance, they made it up for positional discipline and
skill.
To many Willard Khumalo is the best Number 6, Highlanders ever had.
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