MANICA DIAMONDS . (0)0
HIGHLANDERS . . . . .(0)(1)
VISITING Highlanders claimed a narrow hard-fought victory away at Manica Diamonds in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match which intensified pressure on under-fire coach Jairos Tapera.
The match was marked by tension, with Tapera refusing to shake hands with the Highlanders' technical staff and declining to have a post-match interview with the Press.
His actions fuelled speculation about his future, especially as frustrated fans rallied against him following the loss.
Angry supporters mobbed the car of the team’s secretary-general Sugar Chagonda demanding Tapera’s immediate resignation.
The atmosphere on the stands turned electric as dissatisfaction with the coach’s tactics boiled over.
Highlanders took control of the game early, with winger Mafious Chihweta showcasing his skills.
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The breakthrough came in the 62nd minute when Chihweta, after receiving a well-timed square pass from Never Rauzhi, skilfully placed the ball to the right of diving keeper Tedious Baye, igniting wild celebrations among a contingent of Highlanders' fans.
Despite Highlanders’ offensive, the first half concluded without a goal, as both teams struggled to find the net.
An early header from McKinnon Mushore was expertly saved by Baye, setting the tone for a closely contested match.
In the second half, Highlanders maintained their momentum, pressing for a second goal.
Manica Diamonds attempted to respond with some spirited play, highlighted by a diving header from winger Charles Teguru in the 78th minute, which was expertly kept out by Highlanders goalkeeper Reward Muza.
Highlanders nearly doubled their lead in the 92nd minute when a shot from striker Brighton Ncube hit the crossbar, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Highlanders’ coach, Kelvin Kaindu, expressed relief at securing maximum points.
“We have been going through a bad phase during the past five matches. It’s unfortunate that results haven’t been coming. In most of these games, we have been dominating,” he said.
“In today’s game, we should have scored more goals in the first half. I am grateful that at the end of the day, we have collected maximum points,” he said.
The win saw Highlanders move up to eighth place on the log standings while Manica Diamonds slipped to 10th.
The future of coach Tapera hangs in the balance and fans unrest cannot be ruled out as they demand the way forward.
