The Sunday News
Don Makanyanga, Harare Bureau
Black Rhinos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Highlanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
HIGHLANDERS coach Madinda Ndlovu says the days of rebuilding are over, and now is the time to start competing.
Ndlovu uttered these words soon after watching his charges play out a one-all draw against army side Black Rhinos at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
“We are not building anymore, and now is the time we start decorating the house. I would say step by step we will get there, but the goal is to get into a position where we can start competing for the championship,” said Ndlovu.
He was happy with the draw, citing the strikes that rocked the Bosso camp during the pre-season.
“I am very proud to walk out of the National Sports Stadium with a point, especially considering where we are coming from. We had challenges in the pre-season and we had not really worked out our tactics as a team yet.
“Coming here and fighting from a goal down is something commendable,” said the Bosso coach.
Black Rhinos gaffer Herbert Maruwa, who doesn’t hide his title aspirations very well, was also happy with the point.
“To us it’s a point gained, and I am happy with the result,” said Maruwa.
Black Rhinos took the lead in the 32rd second minute; when Moses Demera capitalised on a defensive mix up by three Bosso defenders, inside the box, to slot home the opener. Highlander levelled the scores in the 68th minute when goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda converted from the spot.
Black Rhinos started off as the better side, threatening the Bosso defence-led by MacClive Phiri and Peter Mudhuwa — but the purple patch only lasted for five minutes before Highlanders took control. From there Bosso could have surged upfront, but a timely intervention by Bruce Homora saved the day for Black Rhinos in the seventh minute.
Three minutes later, Tinashe Makanda’s effort from close range was saved again by Ashley Reyners.
Bosso continued to dominate proceedings, that is until the half-hour mark when the army side launched a raid only to be let down by Tafadzwa Sibanda who shot weakly towards goal in clear scoring position.
Three minutes later Black Rhinos counter raids were rewarded when a loose ball found Demera beating three Highlanders defenders before unleashing a powerful strike at close range.
Bosso would have the last laugh, in the 67th minute, as Zambian international Peter Nyirenda broke loose on the left side unleashing a powerful strike which hit the upright, with the rebound being handled by Tafadzwa Jaravani.
Referee Brighton Chimene pointed to the spot which Ariel Sibanda converted to level terms for Bosso.
Teams
Black Rhinos: A Reyners, T Jaravani, F Banda, B Homora, W Kapinda, G Saunyama, W Taderera, T Sibanda, M Mambare, M Demera
Highlanders: A Sibanda, M Phiri, B Banda, C Kapupurika, N Masuku, G Makaruse, A Mbeba, P Muduhwa, T Makanda, M Sibanda, D Khumalo
