Is Bosso coming into title picture or not? Bongani Mafu
Bongani Mafu

Bongani Mafu

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS FC believe they are still title contenders in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League race and should not be ruled out just yet following their 2-0 victory over Whawha on Sunday.The Bulawayo giants have now amassed 17 points from 11 outings and trail table toppers Chicken Inn by six points.

The Gamecocks failed to increase their lead at the top after losing 0-1 against Hwange at the Colliery on Saturday.

The ambitious fast foods outlet sponsored team dropped crucial points in a weekend when Triangle United registered their first home defeat of the season, going down 1-2 to How Mine at Gibbo Stadium.

Highlanders assistant coach Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu was excited by his team’s Sunday win after a four-match winless streak.

He said the win had restored the players’ confidence that had hit rock bottom.

Bosso had last collected maximum points at Barbourfields in Week Three of the PSL by edging Hwange 1-0. Thereafter the Bulawayo giants lost to Chapungu, Caps United and Chicken Inn, with a 1-1 stalemate against Harare City in between the defeats.

On Sunday, a heavily depleted Highlanders managed to overcome a sluggish start against Whawha to take charge of the game and secure all three points.

Obidiah Tarumbwa and make-shift gunman Knox Mutizwa were on target for Bosso.

Mutizwa partnered Tarumbwa due to the unavailability of regular centre striker Thomas Chideu, who was away on national duty with the Under-23s. The other strikers Ozias Zibande and Gabriel Nyoni were sidelined by injuries.

Bosso hardly felt the absence of suspended skipper Felix Chindungwe as Honest Moyo played a blinder in central defence where he partnered Erick Mudzingwa.

Moyo is a natural left back but looked at ease in central defence.

Highlanders were compact in midfield where veteran Mthulisi Maphosa, Welcome Ndiweni, Simon Munawa and Rahman Kutsanzira dictated the pace winning most duels and created real scoring opportunities for the strikers.

It was, however, the team’s second half ability to play at a high tempo comprising some quick, neat passes that delighted the home fans and gave the technical team satisfaction that things were perhaps beginning to fall into place.

“That passing game that Bosso is known for was exhibited. The fans were happy because we were building up from the back, passing the ball around since we had lots of possession and created scoring opportunities. This victory will certainly give our guys confidence that has been lacking of late,” said Mpofu.

“I think this is the start of good things because the boys passed the ball with lots of confidence; something that has been missing for a long time.”

It remains to be seen if Highlanders will be able to win against more formidable sides as four of their five victories have been against PSL debutants Tsholotsho, Dongo Sawmill, Flame Lily and Whawha.

Hwange is the only regular topflight team that Bosso has overcome.

The Bulawayo giants failed to beat ZPC Kariba, Chapungu, Buffaloes, Caps United and Chicken Inn.

Bosso face another stern test this weekend when they travel to face FC Platinum in Zvishavane.

The platinum miners are joint sixth on the table with Highlanders although they have better goal difference.

FC Platinum secured an impressive 3-0 away win against ZPC Kariba.

Mpofu said Bosso was ready for the “platinum test”.

“Like I said, we’re back on track and I’m sure we’re going to stand our ground,” Mpofu said.

To remain real title contenders, Bosso has to beat FC Platinum.

Another team that has declared its credentials in the title race is Chapungu, which has gone on an impressive nine-match unbeaten run.

The airmen turned around their fortunes on Week Four by handing Bosso its first defeat at Barbourfields Stadium in 2015.

Since then, John Nyikadzino’s side is yet to lose. They edged Flame Lily 1-0 at Ascot Stadium in Gweru on Saturday.

How Mine’s 2-1 win away to Triangle at Gibbo Stadium eased pressure on coach Luke Masomere.

The gold miners had been hit with inconsistency, stoking fan’s disenchantment.

On Sunday, Masomere gave skipper Gilbert Banda his first start of the season, partnering Nelson Tachi in central defence.

The gold miners got their goals from right back Tapiwa Khumbuyani and Limited Chikafa.

 Results

Saturday: Chapungu 1-0 Flame Lily, ZPC Kariba 0-3 FC Platinum, Buffaloes 2-1 Harare City, Hwange 1-0 Chicken Inn

Sunday: Highlanders 2-0 Whawha, Triangle United 1-2 How Mine, Dongo Sawmill 0-2 Caps United

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