‘We played like Champs’

plying his trade in the domestic Premiership.
Highlanders left it until very late, as they have so often done this season, scoring a goal in time added on to beat a 10-man Black Mambas 1-0 at Barbourfields.
DeMbare maintained their two point cushion as they now sit on 58 points, with five games remaining in the season.
Interestingly, they will be facing Highlanders in their next assignment in a game that could have a big impact on the title race.
Muparati said given the controversy surrounding the reverse fixture against Hwange, which ended 4-2 in favour of the Glamour Boys at Rufaro, DeMbare had to make a huge statement at the Colliery.
The Glamour Boys were relieved to come back home with maximum points after putting up a good show, especially in the second half at the Colliery.
Dynamos climbed back to the summit last week after taking advantage of Highlanders’ loss at the hands of Monomotapa.
With pressure mounting on both sides, Muparati said they cannot afford to relax in this tight battle.
“Everyone in the team understands the mission. It is very possible. We are at a better advantage than we were last season,” said Muparati.
“At this stage we need to collect maximum points in every game and I think our next assignment against Highlanders is a must-win.
“If we win that one, then no one will stop us because we will have opened a five-point gap between us and them. But if we lose then that would mean they get back to the top.
“So we have to beat them at Rufaro. That’s why I agree with people who say it’s the title decider,” said Muparati.
However, the Glamour Boys midfielder conceded they did not have it all their way at the Colliery as Hwange made life difficult in the sweltering heat.
The coal miners even came close in the opening half but were denied by the crossbar when lanky defender David Boriwondo connected a curling ball swung in by Winston Mhango.
“We had a good win although we didn’t play well in the first half. It was too hot in Hwange and the weather was not doing us any favours.
“It appears we were all not comfortable running around and spending much time on the ball and that is why we failed to make any meaningful raids in the first half. Hwange were strong but we wanted the three points at all costs. So we told ourselves that we are the champions and in order to win the title we have to play like champions in all circumstances.
“So we came back stronger in the second half and managed to get the goals,” said Muparati.
The midfielder has attracted a fair share of criticism this year following a slump in form but yesterday said he was happy with the way he has managed to turn around his game. Muparati has virtually been a pale shadow of the attacking linkman who was the creative hub in their march to the championship last season. Sunday’s goal was his third this season after scoring in the 4-1 win over Gunners and getting the winning goal in the Harare derby against CAPS United. I have been working hard to get back to my usual best. It happens in football but this goal which I scored should help lift me up in the remaining games considering that I have been doing well recently,” said Muparati.