Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
BENJANI MWARUWARI, Zenzo Moyo and Mkhokheli Dube had one thing in common during their football careers.
In their heyday, all three were devastating forwards and natural goalscorers, who carried the hopes of their teams and thrilled crowds with their predatory instincts.
Mwaruwari and Moyo also starred for the Warriors while Dube excelled in the national youth teams.
Each started his football journey at Highlanders before carving impressive careers abroad. They graced top-flight leagues in countries such as England, France, Switzerland, Cyprus and the US.
A product of Bosso juniors, Mwaruwari had a largely successful career elsewhere, beginning at Jomo Cosmos in South Africa before moving to Switzerland, France and then England where he played for Portsmouth and later Manchester City.
Mwaruwari scored a celebrated goal on his debut against United in the famous Manchester Derby.
Former Zimbabwe Soccer Star, Moyo won the Golden Boot after playing half a season for Bosso in 2000 and scored 22 goals before he was snapped up by Olympiakos Nicosia in Cyprus.
Dube also had a decorated career, winning championships with Highlanders, FC Platinum and the Major League Soccer (MLS) title with New England Revolution in the US.
Today, fate has reunited the trio at Bosso, not as players, but as custodians of the club’s future.
Mwaruwari leads the technical team as head coach, Dube serves as his assistant, while Moyo is the team manager.
Ironically, following the reunion of these legendary ex-strikers at Bosso, the team’s weakest department so far has been the strike-force.
Bosso have managed to score just three goals in their opening six games of the season at an average of 0.5 goals per game.
Nigerian Benjamin Adeogun scored their first goal of the league campaign from the penalty spot to draw his team level 1-1 in their opening match against Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields.
Then Never Rauzhi and Warriors debutant Mongameli Tshuma scored in the 2-2 draw against Dynamos in their second match.
From then on, the goals just dried up.
Highlanders have not scored in their last four games, which translate to 360 minutes without finding their range.
It’s these fine margins that determine the difference between getting maximum points and settling for less.
Although unbeaten after six games, Bosso still occupy a place outside the top half of the table.
Precisely, they are number 12, with six points from as many games.
They have fallen nine points behind log leaders CAPS United, who have amassed 15 points.
Everything else appears to be falling into place for Bosso, who have demonstrated good organisation in terms of their play, defensive solidity and chance creation.
However, the lack of a cutting edge up front continues to undermine their progress.
“It’s not that we don’t create chances, we’re creating chances that we’re just missing,” said Mwaruwari.
Striker Reason Sibanda could have added his name to the roster of goal scorers for Bosso this season but he fluffed a brilliant opportunity against Scottland at Rufaro on Sunday.
Sibanda was sent clear via a through ball by Tshuma but somehow failed to beat advancing goalkeeper Nelson Chadya after racing to the ball first.
But more is expected from the likes of Brighton Ncube, Rauzhi, Adeogun, Sibanda, Prince Ndlovu Shelton Moyo and Tshuma, who all make up the Bosso forward line.
“That’s the last bit; to marry those chances up. But I’ve been a striker, I know it’s difficult when you’re playing under pressure, trying to win games, trying to score. But we’ll work on it.
“We’ll work with them on that final third. Let’s hope very soon we’ll get a goal and get a win. Always, before every match, the game plan is to win the game,” said Mwaruwari.
Although Highlanders have been struggling in front of goal, their defence has stood resolute, even without some of their regulars through injuries.
They have conceded just three goals in six matches.
But that is not enough to win games. Mwaruwari reckons he still needs to work hard on his team, which celebrates a milestone century this year.
“We’ve been drawing since day one. It’s not about Scotland, as I said. But, getting a point away and playing against Scotland is a big, big, big, big point.
“But, from day one, we’ve been trying to win games. And, we will be trying, and we will work and work and work until we get those goals. You know, sometimes, where we are, you need to work more,” said Mwaruwari.
