Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers’ Sports Hub
THEY came, they cheered, they believed, but Highlanders let a golden opportunity slip in front of their faithful at Emagumeni, settling for a 1-1 draw against FC Platinum in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash that left more questions than celebrations.
It was a tale of two halves, with Bosso starting brightly and drawing first blood through Mason Mushore in the 7th minute. The midfield maestro made no mistake after being teed up by the lively Never Rauzhi, sending the Bosso faithful into a roar that echoed through the City of Kings.
Highlanders looked to press home their early advantage, with Rauzhi again testing the Platinum defence, while Mushore nearly doubled the lead with a thunderbolt from range. Reason Sibanda had two chances to extend the lead but fluffed his lines, first missing a close-range volley and later squandering a one-on-one set up by Mushore.
However, as is often the case in football, dominance doesn’t always translate to points.
Against the run of play, it was former Bosso man Devine Mhindirira who came back to haunt his old side. In the 33rd minute, he levelled the score after latching onto a clever pass from Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, punishing a Highlanders defence that had paused, expecting a foul that never came.
After the match, Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu didn’t hide from the truth.
“Tactically, we accept, FC Platinum were better than us. They dominated, but we give credit to our supporters. When
FC Platinum was dominating, they cheered all the way,” Kaindu said.
The second-half saw Bosso living dangerously.
Just two minutes in, Hagiazo Magaya broke down the flank and unleashed a shot that Highlanders goalkeeper Reward Muza could only parry into the air. Arthur Ndlovu came to the rescue with a dramatic goal-line clearance.
Platinum pressed for a winner, with Ngwenya instrumental in their build-up play. He set up Brian Banda for a long-range effort that flew inches wide, and nearly scored when he charged down Muza’s attempted clearance, his deflection trickling just past the post.
Melikhaya Ncube also tried his luck from outside the box, but his shot failed to hit the target.
Despite a vibrant start and roaring support from the Soweto End, Bosso’s attack lost its bite after the break.
Brighton Ncube had the chance to steal all three points late on after breaking through the Platinum defence, but his effort was denied by a top-drawer save from David Bizabani.
Platinum coach Norman Mapeza acknowledged the intensity of the contest.
“So much respect for Highlanders. It was one of the best games and difficult for both teams. I am happy for my boys,” he said.
In the end, the Bulawayo giants walked away with just a point, but at Barbourfields, the fans stood tall, singing till the final whistle.
