HIGHLANDERS coach Benjani Mwaruwari says his side is only missing the finishing touch after a string of draws in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Bosso are yet to win this season, having drawn all four of their opening matches.
They began with a 1-1 draw against Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields Stadium, with Benjamin Adeogun scoring, before playing out a 2-2 draw against Dynamos in Harare through goals by Mongameli Tshuma and Never Rauzhi.
Highlanders then settled for back-to-back goalless draws against MWOS at Barbourfields and Simba Bhora at Wadzanayi.
They also played to a 0-0 stalemate against the Warriors in a Bosso@100 exhibition match at Barbourfields on Wednesday, as the senior men’s national team prepared for the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament in Botswana.
Bosso were without key players Tshuma and Andrew Mbeba, who are in the Warriors camp.
Keep Reading
- Ngezi stunned by 10-man Herentals in Chibuku Cup
- Inside Sport: Local stadiums in urgent need of attention
- Big send-off for Cont Mhlanga
- Inside sport: The right way to do it
Despite the lack of goals, Mwaruwari was pleased with his team’s performance and believes the breakthrough will come.
“This game was to try some combinations, try some players that didn’t play and they came in and they did exactly the same like those who were playing,” he said.
“Sometimes you need to know where your players are in terms of fitness. Today, I was so happy with everyone. No one injured and they gave a good show.”
He added: “It’s pleasing to see when you replace players and they come in and play so well as they did today.
“It gives the coaches headaches. But so far my headache is about scoring. Once you get that scoring part, I think you’ll be in a good position to fight.
“When you play a good game like this without scoring, it’s just missing that . . . I don’t know how I can say it. People come here and watch and want see us scoring goals. And it’s unfortunate we’re still missing in that department.”
Mwaruwari said questions were being raised about Highlanders’ struggles in front of goal despite having former strikers in the technical team.
“And people start to ask all questions, Benjani, Zenzo and Mkhokheli were all strikers.
“It’s very difficult when you are a striker.
“You need to be more calm, get more games.”
He singled out striker Brighton “MaNinja” Ncube for praise after a lively performance.
“He came in today, he started the match.
“He had a very good game apart from no scoring.
“So once all my strikers are in shape, good shape, hopefully we get those goals.”
Midfielder Prince Ndlovu also impressed, troubling the Warriors defence, but without reward.
Highlanders also gave a run to Zambian strikers Isaac Ngoma and Motela Mulambya, who, however, failed to make a decisive impact.
It could not be established if the duo has been signed by the club.
Kudakwashe Mahachi also showed glimpses of brilliance, but Bosso could not find the net.
Warriors coach Marian Marinica said Highlanders were a good side, but lacked finishing.
“This is a good team,” he said.
“Unfortunately, they don’t hit the target as they should.
“I have seen them in league matches and also today . . . that’s the reason we took two of them (Mbeba and Tshuma).”