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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
COULD it be the same old story for Highlanders FC to be on top of the Premiership table at mid-season as is the case now and then fizzle out as competition gets hotter as what has happened during the past two seasons?Twice, Bosso have been pipped to the title by old nemesis Dynamos on goal difference.

On Sunday, the Bulawayo giants who are at the top of the log, had their lead reduced to just a point after playing to a goalless draw with Bantu Rovers in the first match of the second half of the season.

A drab show is what Bosso exhibited as Bantu Rovers were all over them and with a bit of luck, Tshintsha Guluva should have won the Bulawayo derby.

Bantu Rovers were denied by referee Bekezela Maleka what appeared a clear penalty in the 27th minute when Dumisani “Fazo” Ndlovu brought down Moses Majika in the box.

They later hit the upright in the second half through Dalubuhle Moraka.

By far, Bantu Rovers were the better side as they were confident on the ball and made positive build-ups from the back through midfield as they carved open a clueless Highlanders.

Highlanders were left feeling the heat as defending champions Dynamos and ZPC Kariba collected maximum points in their respective matches with DeMbare continuing with their dominance over Caps United who they beat 2-1 while the electricity generators got a 1-0 victory on the road against Chicken Inn.

For the third time this season, Highlanders failed to score. They failed to score on the opening day of the season during their away goalless draw against Chapungu in April and last month they were beaten 0-1 by Dynamos in Harare.

It is the points lost on home turf that proved detrimental to their 2012 and 2013 seasons’ championship campaign and it remains to be seen what Kelvin Kaindu will do in the last few days to strengthen his team.

A lot is expected from the Bosso technical team which does not seem to have the team with the right skills to register positive results.

The Zambian expatriate has only managed to make two mid-season signings – King Nadolo and Tapiwa Dephistara – who are all attacking midfielders and are filling the gaps left by national team trio of Kuda Mahachi, Milton Ncube and Peter “Rio” Moyo who moved to South African clubs.

The midseason window closes on Thursday and it remains to be seen as to which players Kaindu will sign before the deadline.

“One or two players are coming this week but I can’t say the names as we are in the process of negotiating,” said Kaindu.

The areas that Kaindu is eager to address are the strikeforce and wingbacks where Bruce Kangwa just like Simon Munawa has proved a liability.

Kangwa does a lot of running yet nothing comes off his forays into opposition area and some of the goals have come through his flank.

With Khumbulani Banda off to Maritzburg United, Kangwa finds himself in comfort zone.

Highlanders have been using a makeshift right back Erick Mudzingwa of late who is a good defender but does not give as many options as his passing needs improvement.

Perhaps if he could be more composed and give his passes a bit of ball speed.

Charles Sibanda has been their trusted gunman with 10 league goals but needs someone who will complement him upfront. The former FC Platinum and Motor Action forward is effective as a silent striker and needs a target man to allow him to rove and drift to the midfield.

After Sunday’s draw, many were left questioning Bosso’s ability of landing the title as some of their players appeared tired during the last 25 minutes of the game.

However, Kaindu said he was not worried about the point difference.

“We prepared with maximum points in mind but unfortunately we failed to turn in the chances we created in the first half. We always play with points in mind and not goal difference,” said Kaindu.

The next few weeks will be crucial for Highlanders and Kaindu in as far as the championship is concerned.

They start with a home match against How Mine before taking on Black Rhinos away and their third match will be against Dynamos at home.

Dynamos pose the biggest threat in the championship race but ZPC Kariba who have gone for an unbeaten run of 16 matches cannot be ruled out.

DeMbare have hit a purple patch and after their Caps United victory their confidence levels are high with coach Callisto Pasuwa admitting that he has a strong side.

“We have depth in our squad which is good for our campaign and even if you look at our bench we had a stronger side on the bench.
“We will continue working hard and I am happy that the players corrected their mistakes during the first half of the season and have demonstrated a good fighting spirit in the second half.

“What is important is to be consistent and avoid complacency against all our opponents,” said Pasuwa.

Castle Lager Premiership Results

Friday: How Mine 0-1 Black Rhinos

Saturday: Chapungu 3-2 Triangle United, Chicken Inn 0-1 ZPC Kariba

Sunday: Dynamos 2-1 Caps United, Chiredzi 2-1 Buffaloes, Bantu Rovers 0-0 Highlanders, Shabanie Mine 0-0 FC Platinum, Hwange 2-0 Harare City