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HIGHLANDERS coach Baltemar Brito described his troops as ‘warriors’ after they showed the character of champions to ride a storm and edge Herentals 1-0 at Mandava yesterday.
Melikhaya Ncube scored a stunning goal, with an overhead kick in the first half, but Bosso needed a huge performance from their defence to help them over the line.
Bosso have now opened a four-point lead at the top of the table and are unbeaten in the first 15 games of the season.
On a good day for clubs from the City of Kings, Obriel Chirinda scored a hat-trick to power Bulawayo Chiefs to an impressive 3-0 win over Triangle at Gibbo.
Hwange struck late, from a penalty converted by skipper Kelly Shandindi, to steal a point in a 1-1 draw after Allen Gahadzikwa had given Black Rhinos a first half lead.
At Mandava, the impressive Students threw everything at Highlanders and even struck the post and had an effort cleared from the line after dominating the second half.
Peter Muduwa and his troops in defence were massive, playing their hearts out, and they found a way to repel the marauding Students.
“We are happy because when we should play, we play,” said Brito.
“When we should defend, we defend.
“The boys showed a lot of heart, real Warriors, but there’s still a long way to go in the championship.
“We were defending with five or six players, depending on the situation.”
Herentals coach, Kumbi Mutiwekuziva, blamed the match officials for his side’s defeat.
“I think the match officials decided the match for us and we were also unlucky,” he said.
“We gave them a soft goal and it disturbed our rhythm but we came back and I think the whole second half, we were the better team but we couldn’t convert our chances.
“The match officials gave them more advantages and maybe it’s because we are the underdogs.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter