Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS staged a comeback for the ages at Barbourfields, leaving a star-studded Scottland side in tears and sending their own fans into raptures. The 2–2 draw in regulation time and 2–1 penalty shootout victory in the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final owed everything to the leadership of returning captains Ariel “Mangoye” Sibanda and Andrew “Tower” Mbeba.
Among the heartbroken Scotts was defender Peter Muduhwa, usually a pillar of strength. Ironically, the decisive blow came from his close friend and former teammate Mbeba, whose late equaliser forced the match into penalties.
Bosso’s veteran goalkeeper Sibanda, back in action after nearly a year out, saved four spot-kicks to seal the win.
“I am elated with the manner in which we fought. Nothing feels better than returning from injury to such a fine day. When we were down, we had to motivate the boys and make them believe we could come back. I could see their confidence gradually creeping back, and I’m happy it worked,” said Mbeba, who was named Man of the Match.
The fightback underlined just how much Highlanders had missed their two leaders. Before Hendrikus Pieter de Jongh’s arrival as coach, Bosso were drifting—ninth on the log with 29 points from 25 games and only two points clear of relegation danger. Successive coaches had struggled to find a steady replacement for Sibanda, alternating between Raphael Pitisi and Reward Muza.
Mbeba’s first-half injury earlier in the season had left the backline rudderless. De Jongh wasted no time reinstating Sibanda in goal when he took over from interim coach Try Ncube, who had managed just one win in eight games. Since then, Highlanders have won twice, drawn once, and lost once—with Sunday’s heroics the clear highlight.
“To be honest, this is not a bad team, but the problem was that they lacked a leader. People say a lot about Sibanda, but without him and Mbeba, the young boys could not properly organise themselves at the back. They had no one to command them and bring experience,” said De Jongh.
Sibanda, 36, is the club’s longest-serving player, boasting 16 years in black and white. For months, he was rumoured to be transitioning into a technical role. Instead, he has returned as the steady hand guiding a rejuvenated defence and inspiring Mbeba’s towering presence.
With survival virtually assured, De Jongh is now setting fresh goals.
“We have to focus on the league for now. We need at least seven points from six games and we’ll be okay. As for Chibuku, we are in it to win it. Facing fellow giants Dynamos in the semi-finals will not intimidate us,” he said.
Highlanders are currently ninth with 33 points from 28 games, tied with Chicken Inn and Manica Diamonds. They host eighth-placed ZPC Kariba, who are on 37 points, this week.
