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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS Football Club displayed a stellar show in their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter with FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane on Saturday, with former skipper Ariel Sibanda saying they always play better on the road.

The match ended in a 2-2 stalemate with Bosso’s goals coming from Obadiah Tarumbwa and Knox Mutizwa. What probably pleased under-fire coach, Bongani Mafu was that his two strikers have scored in two successive weekends.

Bosso have picked up eight points from their last five trips out of Bulawayo; winning twice against Flame Lily and Dongo Sawmills, losing to ZPC Kariba in the opening match of the season and drawing against Buffaloes and FC Platinum.

In all their away trips, the Bulawayo giants have exhibited good football, something that they have struggled to replicate when playing at Barbourfields Stadium.

On Saturday, Highlanders exhibited a good, quick passing game much to the delight of their travelling fans.

Mutizwa had the game of his life and so did Rahman Kutsanzira.

Mafu rewarded Honest Moyo with another start in central defence where he partnered Erick Mudzingwa, with veteran Felix Chindungwe anchoring for the defence in the absence of the injured Mthulisi Maphosa.

Chindungwe, however, failed to stamp his authority in front of the defence and was pulled out in the first half for the energetic King Nadolo.

That move turned around Highlanders’ fortunes as they neutralised the FC Platinum midfield that was being powered by Thabani Kamusoko.

Highlanders were on fire and there was no sign that the players had refused to train during the week protesting over unpaid winning bonuses,

Bosso were comfortable on the ball and could have won the game with a bit of luck.

Sibanda thanked the fans for cheering them and challenged them to do the same when the team plays at home.

“The support that we got at Mandava was great. It’s been a while since I last saw Highlanders’ supporters singing and dancing from the first whistle to the last minute of the game. It’s that kind of support which you need as a player every time you get onto the field of play. Unfortunately, we’ve not had that kind of support when playing at Barbourfields Stadium this season. Players need to be cheered and believe you me, if the 12th man is behind the team, even those who are off form raise their game,” said Sibanda.

“I believe that we’ve done better playing away than at home. There is less pressure away and the support is real. Supporters rarely boo a player when we are away. I think playing at Barbourfields Stadium has become a nightmare for some of the guys. It’s my hope that supporters understand that we need them and the sooner they give us love, the sooner we will start enjoying our game at home.”

This week Highlanders return to Barbourfields Stadium for a date with How Mine.

A fortnight ago, Mafu said the tense Barbourfields Stadium atmosphere intimidated his charges.

Highlanders seem to have hit the right gear and if they are to reproduce the Whawha and FC Platinum displays, they are certain to ignite their faithful followers’ support.

However, How Mine will not be pushovers as they appear to have also struck the right note registering two wins on the trot. The gold miners came from a goal down to snatch a 2-1 win against ZPC Kariba on Sunday.

They are fourth on the table with 21 points, three ahead of Bosso.

Chicken Inn stretched their lead to four points following their 3-0 victory over Buffaloes on Saturday at Luveve Stadium. The Gamecocks are at the summit with 26 points.

Defending champions Dynamos and Triangle played to a 1-1 draw.

Castle Lager Premiership Results

Friday: Harare City 2-0 Chapungu

Saturday: Chicken Inn 3-0 Buffaloes, FC Platinum 2-2 Highlanders, Flame Lily 1-2 Dongo Sawmill

Sunday: How Mine 2-1 ZPC Kariba, Whawha 1-0 Hwange, Tsholotsho FC 0-2 Caps United,

Dynamos 1-1 Triangle United