Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United 1-0 Highlanders
TRY Ncube’s grip on the Highlanders job slipped further yesterday as Bosso slumped to a third straight winless game, going down 1-0 to CAPS United in the Battle of Cities at Rufaro.
And with former coach Pieter De Jongh watching from the VIP section as a guest of the club’s leadership, the pressure around Ncube has never been more intense.
The Dutchman, who led Highlanders to Chibuku Super Cup glory in 2019 and is rumoured to be on the verge of a dramatic return, saw just how much work awaits whoever takes charge of this faltering side.
Bosso looked toothless in attack, unconvincing at the back, and short on leadership, especially in the absence of injured skipper Andrew Mbeba. Stand-in captain Darlington Munkuli struggled to rally the troops as a tense afternoon unfolded at Rufaro.
It was Nyasha Chintuli, a man desperately in need of a goal himself, who broke Highlanders’ resistance in the 66th minute, finishing off a neat move started by Phineas Bamusi to give CAPS the win and a dose of revenge for their 1-0 defeat in the reverse fixture at Barbourfields.
Highlanders coach Ncube was left to lament yet another game where his side failed to convert promising moments into goals.
“Disappointing result,” he said. “We started well. I think we had a better first-half than the second-half. We just made one error and they scored. From there, it was always going to be difficult.
“The boys are at a low now in terms of confidence. When we started, we had one or two chances that we could have easily scored but we didn’t. And the longer it stayed 0-0, one mistake was always going to cost us, and it did.”
Brian Mlotshwa had a great early chance with a header that sailed over, and Never Rauzhi won a dangerous free kick outside the box but Bosso never looked in full control.
They were lucky not to fall behind earlier when Arthur Ndlovu cleared off the line following a scramble inside the box. But that fortune ran out minutes later when CAPS struck the winner.
Bamusi surged through the midfield and threaded a pass into Chintuli’s path. This time, the striker didn’t miss. His goal not only lifted CAPS United’s spirits but also cast a darker cloud over Bosso’s stuttering campaign.
Even with Mafious Chihweta, usually a livewire, in the XI, Highlanders couldn’t unlock the Green Machine defence. Chihweta was kept unusually quiet by CAPS fullback Brian Kadamanja, and the midfield lacked its usual rhythm despite second-half introductions of Melikhaya Ncube and Pride Mushonga.
Bosso’s attacking frustrations only deepen the scrutiny on Ncube, who has now collected just two points from the last possible nine, and whose body language on the touchline reflected a coach under siege.
The return of De Jongh, if confirmed, would be a gamble. But in the current mood, the Bosso leadership may see it as a necessary jolt to revive their top half push.
Despite the defeat, Highlanders remain in ninth place on 28 points, now level with CAPS United, who trail on goal difference.
There are still 13 rounds to play, but time is running out for Ncube to convince fans and even the bosses that he’s the right man to steer this ship.
Teams
CAPS United: Stephen Odai Kwaku, Bruce Kangwa, Brian Kadamanja, Chitoshi Chinga, Kelvin Mangiza, Tanaka Shandirwa (Blessing Manhire 78’), Phineas Bamusi (Tatenda Matindife 78’), Junior Bunjira, Leroy Chipanera, Chris Mugalu, Nyasha Chintuli
Highlanders: Reward Muza, Mvelo Khoza, Arthur Ndlovu, Brian Mlotshwa, Reason Sibanda (Pride Mushonga 63’), Mason Mushore (Benard Ncube 85’), Never Rauzhi (Pride Ndlovu 85’), Darlington Munkuli, Hubert Ncube (Melikhaya Ncube 53’), Luckmore Mutumbi, Mafious Chihweta
Bongani Ndlovu