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– Gabriel Nyoni

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter—
Highlanders 3-1 Black Rhinos
A BRAVURA performance by Highlanders FC’s man-of-the-moment Charles Sibanda who hit a brace was enough to take the Bulawayo giants to the top of the table.
Sibanda took his season’s tally to eight goals in 13 matches at Barbourfields yesterday. It was a satisfactory performance for Highlanders as they bounced back from their 0-1 defeat to Dynamos in style. They showed great character by coming back from a goal down and dehorned Black Rhinos.

There was no place for goalkeeper Njabulo Nyoni who was between the posts when the Bulawayo giants lost in Harare with Erick Mudzingwa reverting to his anchorman’s position while Simon Munawa who had played as a defensive link against DeMbare was at right-back.

Joel Ngodzo got his second start of the season and did not disappoint with some brilliant passing, playing behind the two strikers Gabriel Nyoni and Charles Sibanda.
Bosso did not feel the absence of their departed stars Kudakwashe Mahachi, Milton Ncube and Peter “Rio” Moyo who have joined their South African clubs.

Highlanders had firm control of the game but the army side’s coach Arthur Tutani made a tactical substitution in the 36th minute pulling out an ineffective Charles Chiutsa for Kelvin Chiripawako who brought in a fresh breeze to the visitors’ attack.

Chiripawako was the architect of Black Rhinos’ goal on the halftime mark as he won possession in the centre circle, made a long pass to Wilson Chakanyuka on the right who then sent a perfect cross to the blind side that was headed home by Lincoln Saramaya.

Bosso returned from the breather to reclaim control of the encounter. It took them 12 minutes to level the scores with Gabriel Nyoni heading a Valentine Ndaba corner kick past a diving Jonathan Zvaita.

Eight minutes later Sibanda scored a beauty when he headed the ball into the nets off a Welcome Ndiweni cross from the right after a good build up by Bosso which involved Ngodzo and Munawa.

Sibanda completed his double from the penalty spot nine minutes before the end of regulation time after Erick Manokore had handled in the box as he tried to intercept a clever back heel flick by Sibanda in full view of referee Thembinkosi Sibanda who pointed to the spot. The 2010 Soccer Star of the Year sent Zvaita the wrong way.

“It always feels good to score important goals for the team and like I said before, if we continue working hard as a team we will achieve our goals. Obviously after that loss to Dynamos we were down but the good thing is that we managed to pick ourselves up and the coach spoke about the need to believe in ourselves and we just did that. Everyone did their best to get a positive result,” said Sibanda.

Black Rhinos tried to come back into the game but found Ariel Sibanda up to the task, denying them twice on added time as he summoned his reflexes to stop a Beavan Chikaka close range shot as well as a dipping effort by Nesbert Padzarondora which he tipped away to safety.
Despite failing to pick a point, Black Rhinos’ coach Tutani was impressed with his team’s performance.

“Yes we have lost but the result doesn’t show the actual picture of the game. Unfortunately the goals we conceded were more of schoolboy blunders but it was a good entertaining game which the fans I think enjoyed. My players played very well against one of the biggest teams and we are now looking forward to the Dynamos game,” Tutani said.

Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu was a relieved man after the game as they were hard-pressed for a win.
“Even when we conceded we came back and took control of the game. The players showed great character, mental stability and I believe this win should be our turning point,” he said.

Teams
Highlanders: Ariel Sibanda, Simon Munawa, Bruce Kangwa, Dumisani Ndlovu, Innocent Mapuranga, Erick Mudzingwa, Knox Mutizwa (Welcome Ndiweni, 53rd minute), Joel Ngodzo (Felix Chindungwe, 82nd minute), Gabriel Nyoni, Charles Sibanda, Valentine Ndaba (Godfrey Makaruse, 84th minute)

Black Rhinos: Jonathan Zvaita, James Mukombwe, Milton Kureva, Obey Gada, Nesbert Padzarondora, Lincoln Saramaya (Brian Muzondiwa, 66th minute), Charles Chiutsa (Kelvin Chiripawako, 36th minute), Phillip Marufu, Erick Manokore, Wilson Chakanyuka (Beaven Chikaka, 75th minute), Bruce Homora