Highlanders face WhaWha

Sport
INCONSISTENCY has become the order of the day at Highlanders as they travel to Gweru for a date against troubled WhaWha in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Ascot Stadium on Sunday.

INCONSISTENCY has become the order of the day at Highlanders as they travel to Gweru for a date against troubled WhaWha in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Ascot Stadium on Sunday.

By FORTUNE MBELE

After going six matches without a win, Highlanders put up a sublime show and outclassed How Mine with a 5-1 victory at Barbourfields Stadium only to lose 1-2 to FC Platinum at the same venue two days ago.

The Bulawayo giants remain on position eight on the log-standings with 25 points from six wins, seven draws and six defeats.

Before beating How Mine, their last victory had been against WhaWha (2-0) at Barbourfields on May 24.

Bongani Mafu
Bongani Mafu

Coach Bongani Mafu blamed his defenders for the defeat to FC Platinum, but his midfield was also found wanting. He had to bring out an ineffective Godfrey Makaruse and Rahman Kutsanzira at half time and anchorman Tendai Ngulube in the 62nd minute, but things never got any better as FC Platinum continued to bombard the Bulawayo giants.

Mafu said he had to work on his charges’ mentality after the defeat which left Highlanders fans incensed.

“It is sad. We should have won for them (the fans). We now have to improve on our mentality after the loss,” Mafu said.

Knox Mutizwa is Highlanders’ man-of-the-moment with 10 goals to his back combining well with veteran Obadiah Tarumbwa.

Right-back Peter Muduhwa, who came in to replace injured Webster Chingodza has also proven to have the mettle to stand up and be counted after playing his debut in the 5-1 win over How Mine and played well in his second against FC Platinum.

The central defence of Felix Chindungwe and Douglas Sibanda has been jittery. Highlanders take on struggling WhaWha — with 15 points from 19 games — coming from a 0-3 defeat to Hwange at the Colliery on Wednesday after a 1-1 draw with Buffaloes at Ascot on Sunday. The prison services side are coached Lloyd Mutasa.