Bosso 90s Curtis Mangurenje breaks away from the attention of NUST’s Brendon Sithole at Chiefs Village yesterday afternoon. NUST won the match 2-1
By OnSport Reporter
As the Highlanders senior team battles for survival in the top-flight league, the club’s developmental side, Bosso 90, is now staring down the barrel of relegation after a 2-1 defeat by NUST at the Chiefs Village yesterday afternoon in the Southern Region Soccer League.
The afternoon initially appeared perfect for the Melusi Sibanda-coached outfit after they raced to an early lead in the seventh minute. The goal came courtesy of an Ackim Nkomo strike from outside the box that beat a static Never Tigere in goal for the university side.
NUST then regrouped and turned the game on its head, capitalising on two defensive errors by the Bosso 90 rearguard. First, Mthulisi Khanye nodded home after a defensive mix-up between centre-back Bonginkosi Karuma and goalkeeper Romeo Zimba; the duo’s hesitancy allowed Khanye to ghost in and power home the equaliser from inside the box after 13 minutes.
Forward Brandon Garufu then fired home the second five minutes later, tapping in from the blind side. He met a Darlington Mugwagwa cross that had appeared harmless until Garufu got on the end of it, guiding the ball in with his thigh to beat a badly exposed goalkeeper, Zimba.
The second half was littered with missed opportunities from Bosso 90. Their usually reliable wingers, Brian Ndlovu and Ayanda Mkhwebu, supplied the forwards, but the NUST defence was unyielding as they held on for the crucial three points.
With the loss, Bosso 90 remained fourth from bottom with 32 points, tied with Imbizo, who have a superior goal difference. The Highlanders developmental side have a tough encounter this weekend as they face championship-chasing Bulawayo Chiefs at the same venue.
On the other hand, the victory moves NUST to 24 points, but they also remain in the relegation picture. With three matches remaining, NUST must win all their matches to have a chance of survival. It would mean they would finish the season with 33 points, and they will be hoping that Bosso 90 and Imbizo lose all of their remaining matches. They will seek to begin that run this Sunday as they host Imbizo at the NUST Stadium.
