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Innocent Kurira, [email protected]

HIGHLANDERS FC coach Baltemar Brito refused to blame changes made to his starting line-up as the cause for their failure to get past Greenfuel FC who held them to a one-all draw at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.

The Bulawayo giants have now managed seven stalemates out of their opening 11 matches this season and remain the only unbeaten side having won four of their games this campaign.

Bosso occupy position two on the standings, trailing leaders Ngezi Platinum, who have collected 20 points having played the same number of matches, by a point.

Heading to their next assignment against Bulawayo Chiefs who are on position four with 17 points and are unbeaten in seven outings, Highlanders have drawn five games on the trot.

Against Greenfuel, Brito made four changes to the squad that faced Dynamos last Thursday, benching right back Andrew Mbeba for Mason Mushore and starting Godfrey Makaruse ahead of Ashford Faira on the left. 

Rahman Kutsanzira was given the nod ahead of Brighton Manhire while Washington Navaya also got a start upfront.

Darlington Mukuli who has cemented a starting place in central midfield missed out on Sunday’s game.

Highlanders acquitted themselves well even though winning goals continued to be elusive, taking the game to their opponents in the first half despite the squad changes.

“I don’t like to make too many changes, but in my opinion they did well in the first half. I don’t think it was because of the changes that we drew but we created chances and we fought hard.

“We have to continue working. We will keep working on our finishing. We have to work harder and believe the goals will come,” said Brito.

Regardless of Brito’s assertions, patience is running out from the fans who have religiously been backing Highlanders with the hope of better fortunes. 

Bosso went on to break the deadlock through a well-taken Melikhaya Ncube free-kick before a defensive lapse allowed the visitors to equalise in the first stanza.

Greenfuel fielded three former Bosso players in Honest Moyo, MacClive Phiri, and Bukhosi Sibanda making the duel even more exciting.

It was in the second half that Bosso seemed to lose the plot by playing the long ball. A move that played right into the hands of their opponents.

The visitors’ coach Rodwell Dhlakama said Bosso’s second half tactic benefited them.

“They used two approaches in this game. The first was to play a lot of combination play and partnerships. In the second half they played the long ball which was easy for us to deal with because of the height we have,” said Dhlakama.

— @innocentskizoe