Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira at Barbourfields Stadium
Highlanders 1–0 Bikita Minerals
BRIGHTON Ncube’s magic boot delivered the goods for Bosso once again! A 19th-minute screamer from the midfielder was all Highlanders needed to grind out a narrow but vital 1–0 win over tricky customers Bikita Minerals in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash at Barbourfields on Wednesday.
The Gamecocks faithful were treated to a dominant first half, where Highlanders bossed possession and chances. Ncube’s beautifully curled effort came after a wave of relentless pressure and some slick build-up play that left the visitors chasing shadows.
Bosso could’ve had more! In the 7th minute, a dazzling move inside the box nearly put them ahead early, but hesitation cost them. Then came Marvin Sibanda’s stinging free kick in the 16th, which was parried into the path of Ncube, who teed up Reason Sibanda — only for the woodwork to deny him.
Reason Sibanda had another golden chance moments later after a cute layoff from Never Rauzhi, but once again, the finish let him down. Marvin tried his luck again in the 23rd minute with another set piece, but it flew into the stands.
Bikita Minerals weren’t just spectators — they had flashes of brilliance too. In the 27th minute, Tadiwanashe Musariramwa burst through on goal only to be stonewalled by Reward Muza. Nyakope also came close with a bullet header from a corner, but Muza pulled off a world-class save to protect the lead.
The second half lost some spark. Ncube tried his luck again in the 49th with a speculative shot that nearly snuck in, but Tenera Taona was alert. In the 61st, Marlvin Hativagoni whipped in a peach of a cross for Reason Sibanda, who failed to nod it home.
In the end, Bosso’s first-half dominance was enough. That’s now three wins in four home games for the black-and-white army, who are turning Emagumeni into a fortress again.
Bikita Minerals? They’ll be kicking themselves for wasting golden chances.
Final score: Highlanders 1 – Bikita Minerals 0.
Bosso rise. The minerals crack.
Blessing Chizhande