Zimpapers Logo

Bongani Mafu

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS coach Bongani Mafu has refused to take credit for the famous 1-0 win over bitter rivals Dynamos in the Zimbabwe National Army Charities Shield at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.

A 51st minute goal by Obadiah Tarumbwa was all Amahlolanyama needed to break the long jinx stretching back to 2006 in league matches and 2011 in cup games. Bosso last beat DeMbare 4-3 on penalties in the 2011 Independence Cup final while under the guidance of Mkhuphali Masuku.

Ironically Tarumbwa had received flak from Mafu for a poor performance in the 1-1 draw against Dynamos in a league match at Barbourfields Stadium the previous Sunday.

He played a blinder in Sunday’s victory to prove that he still has what it takes to be a top striker for a big club.

Since the 2-0 victory over Dynamos in a league match that virtually sealed the title for Bosso in July 2006, successive coaches have failed to beat DeMbare in open play at home and away.

Rueben Tsengwa, who took over from Methembe Ndlovu, the legendary Madinda Ndlovu, Mohamed Fathi, Masuku and Kelvin Kaindu have all tried and failed to beat Dynamos.

Although Mafu became the first coach to beat Dynamos in open play, he has to wait for next season to attempt this feat in a league match, if he will still be with Bosso.

The two rivals have already played their league matches with Dynamos winning in Harare and salvaging a draw at Barbourfields Stadium.

Mafu has a one-year contract with Bosso and the club’s hierarchy would be keen to extend his stay based on the team’s display in the ZNA Charities game.

Despite breaking the longstanding jinx, Mafu remained modest and chose to credit the victory to his boys.

“I think the boys just told themselves that enough was enough. They played their hearts out, all of them. They all put everything and I think that’s what gave us that win,” said Mafu.

For the win, Highlanders pocketed $12,000 while Dynamos banked $8,000. Both teams fielded full strength sides as none of the coaches wanted to gamble by playing rookies as results between the two have huge implications.

The Highlanders gaffer said Sunday’s win was now water under the bridge and the focus was now on the How Mine match on Sunday in the first round of the Chibuku Super Cup.

“We can’t celebrate one match for more than two days. Now our focus is on the How Mine game on Sunday. We need to do our best in that game,” said Mafu.

The match promises to be a blood and thunder affair after their league match ended in a draw in June. Bosso could have lost that match had it not been for the heroics of goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda.