adminRicky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS’ youngsters received rave reviews for their gritty performance against an experienced Caps United at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
Bosso pipped the visitors 1-0 in a hard fought match in which the youngsters played a cautious and yet effective game.
That they beat Caps United without first team regulars Felix Chindungwe, Honest Moyo, Benson Phiri, Simon Munawa, who later came on from the bench, and Rahman Kutsanzira is likely to motivate the youngsters.
Highlanders’ coach Erol Akbay showed his tactical shrewdness by making a number of changes to the starting team that Caps United gaffer Lloyd Chitembwe had spied on in their 0-0 stalemate against Mutare City Rovers at Sakubva Stadium last Thursday.
Veteran Tendai Ngulube (31) came in for injured 23-year-old right back Benson Phiri, with central defender Tendai Ndlovu (26) replacing the suspended Felix Chindungwe, while 18-year-old Bukhosi Ncube started at left-back in the absence of Honest Moyo (24).
Ncube, playing his second game, looked jittery but later gained composure and confidence as the game wore on, holding his own against seasoned opponents Simba Nhivi (25) and Moses Muchenje (24) who wanted to open an avenue on the Bosso youngster’s flank.
Apart from Ncube, some of the youngsters that did duty for Bosso were central defender Peter Muduhwa (22), who man-marked and frustrated veteran striker Leonard Tsipa (34).
Tsipa eventually lost his cool in the second half and head butted Muduhwa in an off-the-ball incident that earned him a red card.
The expulsion spurred Highlanders players, with youngsters Adrian Silla and King Nadolo, both 20, and 19-year-old striker Prince Dube enjoying themselves.
Caps United enjoyed the lion’s share in terms of possession, but their experienced players Hardlife Zvirekwi, Tafadzwa Rusike, Muchenje and Devon Chafa seemed not to know what to do with the ball. It seemed as though their fear of losing overcame the desire to win.
In contrast, the Bosso youngsters stuck to the coach’s game plan, staying behind the ball and bursting with purpose going forward and their performance earned them praise from Akbay.
“I’m happy with the way we played because we just sat back and frustrated them. We managed to get that goal because of our patience and discipline,” said Akbay.
Although Highlanders saw very little of the ball, they looked dangerous going forward, and maybe it’s time Akbay gave the youngsters more game time and withdrew some of the older players.
The hunger and energy the youngsters brought into Sunday’s game was the difference with Caps United.
Highlanders should take a cue from Southern Region Division One League leaders Bantu Rovers, who have deliberately composed their squad of two thirds players under the age of 20.
The move seems to be paying dividends as Rovers have positioned themselves well for the championship.
Dynamos are also one PSL team that has gradually been introducing youngsters, with strikers King Nasama (17) and Kudzanai Nyakasaka (18) being given roles to lead their strike force of late.
DeMbare also have central midfielder Tichaona Chipunza (22), Carlos Rusere (21), utility player Godknows Murwira (23), as well as national team goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva (20), who have been regular first team players under coach Lloyd Mutasa.
Online Reporter