Zimpapers Logo

Mzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
Highlanders 2-3 FC Platinum
ALLAN Gahadzikwa’s brace and Michelle Katsvairo’s goal sent FC Platinum to the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Charity final after defeating a depleted Highlanders side 3-2 at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.

Pride was at stake as both sides clashed for the fourth time this year, twice in cup games and the other a pre-season friendly with FC Platinum dominating the tie.

Gahadzikwa made a grand return from injury banging the opener in the 39th minute. The goal came after a good build up which saw Thabani Kamusoko switching the ball to the left to find an unmarked Katsvairo who sent an inviting cross that was nodded home by Gahadzikwa.

Highlanders had a scrappy first half with the likes of Valentine Ndaba, Graciano Chakafana, Khumbulani Banda and Mgcini Sibanda failing to justify their inclusion.

The home crowd were starved of action and they could not hide their frustration which was evidenced by boos.

Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu reacted swiftly with a double substitution in the 46th minute withdrawing youngsters Chakafana who had a torrid first half against Donald Ngoma and Mgcini Sibanda who failed to stand the heat upfront.

Chikafana made way for Erick Mudzingwa while Sibanda was replaced by Ozias Zibande.

Just after five minutes, Zibande had a chance to equalise for Bosso after being played on by Knox Mutizwa but he sent the ball to the stands.

The black and white army continued to raid the platinum miners’ 18-yard area but Petros Mhari was well protected by his defence.
Highlanders defenders were caught napping and punished by Gahadzikwa in the 58th minute to seal his brace after connecting a cross from Ngoma on the left flank where he was unmarked by  Khumbulani Banda.

Two minutes later Bosso bounced back with Zibande beating Mhari with a header to bring Highlanders back to the game.
Bosso continued their attack on the FC Platinum goal with Charles Sibanda controlling the tempo in the middle of the park.

Njabulo Ncube appeared off duty as he failed to make an impression against his former paymasters.

Bosso brought in Bruce Kangwa for Cleopas Dube in the 67th minute moving Valentine Ndaba to the middle while Charles was pushed forward.

Ncube was eventually taken out for Tarisai Rukanda in the 74th minute as they continued to search for the third goal.
Katsvairo finally converted his impressive form to a goal in the 84th minute after finishing off a Kamusoko cross to bury Highlanders’ chances of coming back.

Bosso fans could not bear the defeat and a good number left the stadium before the end of the match.

Mudzingwa managed to pull one back in the 88th minute though it was too liltle to late with a well curled freekick after Kangwa was brought down outside the box.

Highlanders assistant coach Mark Mathe said his side played badly.

“We played in patches especially in the first half and later conceded two easy goals,” said Mathe.

FC Platinum coach Llyod Mutasa said it was an improved performance for his side which was coming from a defeat.

“It was an improvement coming from a loss against Buffaloes. A win against Highalnders at Barbourfields is a good result and we want to maintain the trend,” he said.

FC Platinum knocked High-landers out of the Independence Cup 7-6 on penalties.

Mutasa praised Gahadzikwa for his grand return with two goals yesterday.

“It’s good for him to return and score two goals. This will definitely boost his confidence ahead of the match against Dynamos,” said Mutasa.

Teams:

Highlanders: Njabulo Nyoni, Graciano Chakafana (Erick Mudzingwa 46th minute), Khumbulani Banda, Dumisani Ndlovu, Felix Chindungwe, Hillary Madziwanyika, Knox Mutizwa, Charles Sibanda, Mgcini Sibanda (Ozias Zibande 46th minute), Cleopas Dube (Bruce Kangwa 67th minute), Valentine Ndaba

FC Platinum: Petros Mhari, Amini Qadr, Thabani Kamusoko, Simon Shoko, Njabulo Ncube (Tarisai Rukanda 74th minute), James Marufu, Allen Gahadzikwa, Stephen Sibanda, Michelle Katsvairo, Gift Bello, Donald Ngoma (Raymond Sibanda 59th minute).