Online ReporterInnocent Kurira in BULAWAYO
Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . (3) 4
Kwekwe United . . . . . . . . . 0
BRIGHTON “MaNinja” Ncube’s sensational hat-trick was the highlight of the game as Highlanders dismissed 10-man Kwekwe United in their first home match of the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
It was also his first hat-trick in Bosso colours.
In the second minute, a brilliant cross from Mason Mushore found Melikhaya Ncube inside the box and the midfielder made no mistake, heading the ball past Kwekwe goalkeeper Elton Nechirwe, to give the hosts the lead.
Highlanders were relentless in their pursuit of a second goal and it came in the 15th minute.
After a dazzling solo run into the box, MaNinja was brought down by a Kwekwe United defender, earning a penalty for the home side.
The Bosso forward stepped up to take the spot kick and sent Nechirwe the wrong way.
The match took a significant turn in the 26th minute when Nechirwe was sent off for handling the ball outside the penalty area to deny Reason Sibanda a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
On the stroke of half-time, MaNinja completed his brace.
McKinnon Mushore played a perfectly timed pass through to Maninja who finished with composure into the bottom right corner.
In the 68th minute, Maninja completed his hat-trick, converting his second penalty of the day.
Bosso coach Kelvin Kaindu was delighted with the victory.
“Looking at how difficult it was in terms of preparations, l think it was a positive response. We managed to score four and keep a clean sheet. We looked a bit stable, we didn’t allow the opponents to create chances.
“We relaxed a bit when they were a man down, we allowed them to play in the midfield but what is positive is we had a bit of flair and we are seeing signs of improvement from the first game.
“Having a player score three goals is a positive for us. Even last year, MaNinja played an important role for us to produce a top goal scorer.
“He has started positively and for him to score three goals yet he is not 100 percent fit is a positive development. He started training last week.”
Kwekwe United coach Saul Chaminuka said:
“We could have conceded more.”
Mathew Masinge