THE much-hyped encounter between Highlanders and Scottland has come and gone, but the big question remains: Did the 1-1 stalemate truly justify the hype it generated?
It was a match which promised so much considering the number of players who crossed the floor from Highlanders to Scottland at the start of the season and the capacity crowd which filled Barbourfields Stadium.
And yet, it probably gave so little in entertainment value with the glaring lack of creativity and excitement from both sides.
Performances from the players were flat, with little to ignite the tinderbox of anticipation that preceded the fixture.
Perhaps it was more about the tactical approach from both teams as they could not afford to lose such a match.
Kudzi Mhandire, the Zifa Southern Region Soccer League Division One championship-winning coach, argued that the match lacked the flair needed to elevate it as a showcase of Zimbabwean football.
"When I compare this game to Caps United versus Scottland, it fell short. The BF match was played like a derby, whereas the Harare game was open and full of excitement," Mhandire said.
The former Arenel Movers coach believes players are no longer granted the freedom to express themselves, contributing to the decline in creativity in the domestic league.
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"The game has evolved; coaches now impose specific systems, which stifles individuality. In the past, you had talents like Vitalis Takawira, Siza Khoza or Johannes Ngodzo, who would dazzle with dribbles or tricks before releasing the ball. That spontaneity is missing," he said.
Mhandire, now at Talen Vision, suggested creative players still exist but are constrained by result-driven coaches who are under pressure to deliver by the fans and their superiors.
He cited Daniel Msendami, who flourished only after moving to Botswana and now shines in South Africa’s Betway Premiership.
"Football is all about results, so coaches avoid risks. You cannot let a player express himself if it jeopardises the outcome of the game. Look at a player like Msendami, for instance, who excels when dribbling, yet you may force him into one-touch football, which kills his game. That is why our local game lacks creativity. It all boils down to results at the expense of giving players the freedom to express themselves," he said.
Andrew Mbeba thrust Bosso into the lead after 81 minutes from a free kick, but Mthokozisi Msebe's brilliant header off an inch-perfect delivery from Gareth Madhake restored parity for Mabviravira in the third minute of the referee's optional time.
Mhandire criticised Bosso’s late-game approach, arguing their conceded goal was avoidable. He opined that it was the players' job to see out the encounter.
“I always tell my players that in-game decisions largely rest with them. Bosso’s defence was comfortable but lost focus at the crucial moment, allowing a cross they should have prevented by keeping possession of the ball something they had managed to do well throughout the match. That’s not the coach’s fault.
“However, that was a brilliant cross from Madhake and you wouldn't expect a player like Msebe to ghost-in and perhaps that's why the Bosso defence relaxed,” he said.
With the dust settled, it is evident that Zimbabwean football needs rejuvenation to deliver value for fans.
The absence of flair and excitement was evident, with Bosso particularly missing Prince Ndlovu — often criticised for overholding the ball but capable of electrifying crowds and unsettling opponents.
