Highlanders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1 Chicken Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1 TITLE-CHASING Highlanders and Chicken Inn coaches Kelvin Kaindu and Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu are impressed with their mid-season transfer window period acquisitions after playing yet another draw in a friendly match at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo yesterday.
FORTUNE MBELE Sports Reporter
Chicken Inn drew first blood through returning striker Evans Chikwaikwai in the 29th minute before Bosso levelled the score line through a header by Heritein Masuku in the 73rd minute.
Kaindu introduced his new players Master Masitara and Tinashe Chipunza in the second half while Chicken Inn had Dylan Chivandire and defender Charles Mutero starting from the outset with the former coming out towards the end of the game.
“It is good to get a break. It gives some players time to get fit for the match. We still need to examine and teach the new players (Masitara and Chipunza) as they need to understand how we play. As for Masitara, I know that because of his experience he will definitely add value to the squad,” Kaindu said.
Masitara came in for Bobby Nkomo in the 48th minute while Chipunza came in a minute later for Mthulisi Maphosa. Striker Gabriel Nyoni replaced Beaven Chikaka in the 53rd minute.
The second half introduction of the two changed the complexion of the game as Bosso, under pressure from Chicken Inn who were leading, improved on their game and got an equaliser.
But it was Chicken Inn’s Chivandire who displayed brilliant touches and added on to the GameCox’s strike force — which had been heavily dependent on leading scorer Tendai Ndoro.
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Defender Mutero who came from Motor Action, also had a splendid performance at the back and is likely to partner skipper Felix Chindungwe in the near future.
“Chikwaikwai has fully recovered and the touches from Chivandire were impressive. I am happy with the performance. Competition for jerseys is going to be very tough. It is very healthy for the team. We went to the market because we saw that we were struggling upfront,” Mpofu said.
A free-kick by Chicken Inn right-back Tonisani Sibelo was fumbled by Bosso goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda who allowed the ball to go between his legs before Chikwaikwai capitalised on the fluff and pushed the ball in with ease in the 29th minute.
Highlanders’ goal came after a concerted effort when Lawson Nkomo crossed from the right findnig an unmarked Gabriel Nyoni whose header was saved by substitute goalkeeper Libert Chirava. Chirova also blocked another Masitara effort before Masuku’s header levelled the score line. Highlanders — on the second spot on the log with 34 points, three behind Harare City — will play Black Mambas in their next league match on Thursday in Harare.
Chicken Inn on position five with 31 points, will host How Mine at BF on Friday. How Mine played a goalless draw with Hwange at Luveve Stadium yesterday in another friendly match played in Bulawayo. Twitter feedback @fmbele
