Mushore brothers dazzle Byo

Veronica Gwaze-Sports Reporter

FOR close to 90 minutes at Barbourfields Stadium, the Mushore brothers were feted like royals by fans who filled the iconic home of football in the City of Kings and Queens on Sunday. 

McKinnon and Mason, the Budiriro-bred stars, seem to have found the crest at giants, Highlanders, and have grown to be loved by many. 

The duo who have carried over their fine form from last season gave off spectacular performances at the Battle of Zimbabwe, playing themselves into fans’ hearts. 

Attacking midfielder and speedy Mckinnon proved to have the courage to face the goalpost, create space, and as well eliminate defenders to generate goals. 

An equally speedy Mason, on the other hand, played basic football as he bossed in the mid, giving correct and accurate passes to create play for others. 

Mason could be the man who ruined Dynamos’ day in the big battle. 

The Genesis Mangombe-mentored side looked to be the ones to score first, until Mason cut in from the left flank and released for Melikhaya Ncube who, through fast pace beat DeMbare’s defence before curling with his left foot to give Bosso the lead. 

Archford Faira went on to extend the lead before DeMbare then got a consolation through the recent acquisition of Alexandar Mandinyenya taking the tally to 2-1. 

The virtually unknown brothers who are separated by a two-year gap and have grown to look like twins seem to be thriving well under Highlanders’ different coaches. 

McKinnon is the eldest in a family of three and also the outspoken one while Mason is the second born. 

“We thank God for the talent, it is not common for siblings to have the same talent and as well be equally good . . . we feel none is better than the other,” chuckled the telepathic duo. 

“Highlanders feels like home football makes us happy, it strengthens our bond by the day so there is no place we would rather be than on the pitch.” 

The brothers have managed to taste success with Bosso, getting their first winners’ medal when they defended the Independence Cup  last year in Mt Darwin. 

A 10-man Highlanders beat Dynamos 4-3 following a penalty shoot-out after the match had ended 0-0. And going on to win the recent Battle for Zimbabwe, the brothers feel that they are poised for great heights. 

Interestingly, they feel that they play better together and wish to scale to dizzy heights side by side. 

“Arriving at Highlanders, it felt more like being thrown into the deep end because it is a big club. 

“However, contrary to the popular belief that Highlanders and its fans are a hostile lot, this place is far from that, our settling was easy, the guys made it feel like a real home,” McKinnon said, with a smile. 

On their arrival at Highlanders, the two first played at Bosso90 before Mason moved to the senior team in July 2022 leaving his elder brother to finish off the season in first division. 

Last year was a dream Premiership season debut for McKinnon, whereas Mason who was the first to break into the Highlanders’ first team during the 2022 mid-season transfer window had to be a bit patient.

Mason, a defensive midfielder, often made it to the Bosso bench, with the coaches preferring Melikhaya Ncube and Darlington Mukuli in central midfield. 

Mason Mushore

And this year, was a perfect PSL season start for the duo, facing perennial rivals DeMbare in a filled-up BF Stadium, charming the fans together. 

“We are happily playing together like this, from childhood, we have a rare telepath, if one of us has the ball the other one knows where and how to position themselves,” they chuckled. 

“Our breaks into the senior team may have come at different times but here we are today; we know that our parents and hood also look at us and smile.” The pair, have played together since their formative days at Glenview 3 Primary School, before proceeding to Mufakose High School. 

However, after failing his Ordinary Levels, McKinnon was to be briefly separated from his brother as he enrolled at Gutu High School to repeat his Ordinary Levels. They went on to turn out for Maningi Academy, Prince Edwards High School Academy, Dreamers Academy of Chitungwiza, and Golden Eagles where they had a brief stint. 

“Our dream is to play outside Zimbabwe, but right now, Highlanders is our home and as they say charity begins at home, we need to win it and Bosso and shine. 

“We love our home and our wish is to win the Championship and other prestigious cups with them . . . we motivate each other every day,” said Mason.