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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS gaffer Bongani Mafu says his players need to work on their mental attitude if they are to be counted among title favourites.
Following their 0-2 defeat to ZPC Kariba in their opening 2015 Premiership match on Saturday, their first loss on first day of the league in 18 years, Mafu said it was important for the players to work on their mental attitude.
He, however, said he was confident that the team would soon find their form.
ZPC scores came from Raphael Manuvire from a penalty spot and Artwel Nyamhiwa.
Mafu said after conceding a penalty, his boys lost focus.
“I think we need to develop mental strength. They scored at a crucial time when we were playing well but unfortunately we failed to recover mentally. Tactically we are alright, it’s only the mental aptitude that we’ve to develop,” said Mafu.
About being the first Highlanders coach to lose on opening day Mafu said: “Teams have lost their first games before and gone all the way to be champions.”
Highlanders were without strikers Ozias Zibande and Simba Sithole, Rahman Kutsanzira, King Nadolo and Knox Mutizwa when they played against ZPC.
Bosso — third from the bottom — will be hard-pressed for a win in their next league match against Tsholotsho FC.
Mafu is wary of the Iziqholo zeZhwane who shocked Harare City 1-0 in the capital on Friday.
Tsholotsho FC put up a remarkable show that ensured they collected maximum after a Simbarashe Gorogodyo second half strike.
Ocient Ncube and Butholezwe Ncube covered almost every blade of the artificial turf at Rufaro Stadium, giving cover to their defence and winning most midfield duels.
“Tsholotsho FC are a good attacking team with youngsters full of energy. Our game against them is going to be an interesting duel which hopefully we will win” said Mafu.
Tsholotsho FC’s win could have sent warning shots to other Premiership clubs that it is possible to win matches without big names.
Their assistant coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji” Sibanda, speaking on the sidelines of Chicken Inn’s 2-1 win against newboys Flame Lilly, said the challenge was on maintaining their form.
“It’s good to have a good start. What is needed is to continue working hard before each game. This victory is water under the bridge,” said Sibanda, who made history by being the first female assistant coach in the Premiership.
Former Highlanders boss Kelvin Kaindu opened his Triangle United account on a big note, with a 5-2 victory over Hwange.
The Eastern-Lowveld club is at the top of the table due to a superior goal difference.
Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas whose side survived a grill by Flame Lilly who enjoyed superior goal difference, is ecstatic following his victory and spoke highly of Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera side.
“They are a good team. I think we gave them too much room in the midfield and they showed no respect for us. I’m happy with the three points but feel we were a little sloppy,” Antipas said.
Saruchera said: “It’s unfortunate we lost a game that I feel we were in control of. Hopefully we will get it right in our next game.”
At Mandava Stadium, FC Platinum came twice from behind to grab a point in a 2-2 draw with newly promoted Dongo Sawmill.
David Mandigora started his job at Dynamos on the right path with a 3-0 demolition of Buffaloes.
Week One Results
Friday: Harare City 0-1 Tsholotsho FC
Saturday: Dynamos 3-0 Buffaloes, FC Platinum 2-2 Dongo Sawmill, ZPC Kariba 2 -0 Highlanders, Chicken Inn 2-1 Flame Lily 1 (M Muponda 55th min)
Sunday: Triangle 5-2 Hwange, Whawha FC 1-2 Caps United, How Mine 0-0 Chapungu
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