BY OWN CORRESPONDENTS
Vice-captain Nqobizitha Masuku put up a man of the match performance scoring twice from set pieces to help Highlanders ease past Gweru-based Whawha in a Castle Premier Soccer League match played at Barbourfields stadium on Sunday.
Masuku’s two first half goals were the \ difference between the two sides who have had a slow start to their 2021/22 campaign.
Prior to this encounter, Highlanders had only managed to collect one point from a possible nine whilst their opponents had managed two points.
The win, which took Highlanders to four points from four outings came as a relief and confidence booster for the Bulawayo giants, who are gunning for the championship.
Technical manager Mandla Mpofu named a strong side against his opponents, with new signings Stanley Nkala and Rahman Kutsanzira being thrown into the first 11.
Masuku opened his account as early as in the second minute when he beat the Whawha goal minder Alexandra Useni about five meters outside the box from a set piece.
Ngala, who was a defenders’ nightmare, had been brought down after beating his marker.
Highlanders could have added another one through Ngala, but his shot hit the side of the net.
Ray Lunga picked up an injury in the 26th minute, and was replaced by Lynoth Chikuhwa.
Highlanders outplayed Whawha FC in the second half, but failed to convert their chance. Devine Mhindira should have scored a third goal in the 72nd minute, but failed to utilise his chance.
The game ended 2-0 in favour of Amahlolanyama.
Speaking after the match, Mpofu said the team should have scored more goals in open play.
“Going forward we would get better as we need to work on confidence and composure’ said Mpofu.
“Second half was a bit slope and rusty, considering the fact that we trained five weeks without any competitive game.”
Highlanders would be back in action this coming weekend where they would take on Bulawayo City – Highlanders website