Online Reporter
IT was the first match the Warriors have played on home soil since the country’s stadiums were suspended from hosting their matches.
And, it was clear the fans have missed them.
The fans came in numbers, for a Wednesday afternoon game, as Highlanders hosted the Warriors in an exhibition match to mark Bosso’s 100 years of existence.
It wasn’t about the result, with the game ending in a goalless draw, as if the football gods didn’t want to disappoint either set of fans.
What mattered most was the carnival atmosphere.
The bigger story was in the stands, where Bosso supporters turned an exhibition match into something very special.
Any doubts about whether the Warriors would be tested quickly evaporated.
Backed by a roaring home crowd, Highlanders started on the front foot, their fans creating a hostile, unrelenting atmosphere that demanded intensity from the first whistle.
Bosso were the better side early on, building patiently from the back through Rainsome Pavari and Darlington Mukuli, while goalkeeper Aron Ngwenya looked comfortable initiating play.
Their control, however, rarely translated into a cutting edge in the final third, even as
Brighton Ncube and Prince Ndlovu showed intent.
The Warriors, by contrast, laboured through the opening half.
Short on cohesion and rhythm, they struggled to impose themselves, a reflection, perhaps, of limited time together in camp.
Highlanders came closest before the break.
In the 27th minute, Prince Ndlovu fired a speculative effort from range after combining with Brighton Ncube.
Ncube himself twice went close, first blazing over in the 37th minute and then curling another attempt narrowly off target moments later.
The Warriors’ only real chance of the half arrived late on, Jarrison Selemani’s cross found Washington Navaya, whose header drifted over.
Changes after the interval, including the introduction of captain Marvelous Nakamba and Jonah Fabisch, brought some stability to the visitors, but not enough to wrestle control from a well-drilled Highlanders side.
For Warriors coach Mario Marinica, the game served its purpose, even if it exposed shortcomings.
“I would like to thank everyone who attended this game. We found a very grateful atmosphere.
“Of course, the fans had their club to support but I know they will be wishing us the best.
“We tried different combinations and new players. But the match shows you we are a bit behind in terms of preparations.
“Normally you need more days to prepare for something like that. We wanted a bit of pressure, we are going to Botswana and we needed some bit of pressure.
“I think we needed the mental and physiological pressure.”
Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari took encouragement from his side’s structure, even as familiar issues in front of goal persisted.
“I think we had a good game. They came here and they were structured. Playing such a team, they are difficult to break down.
“It’s in the final third where we are missing it a bit. But I am happy we are keeping clean sheets,” he said.
