HIGHLANDERS coach Benjani Mwaruwari believes star winger Mongameli Tshuma has the talent to reach the highest level of football, offering a glowing endorsement of the rookie despite Bosso’s 4-2 defeat to Caps United at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.
Tshuma produced another outstanding performance in the capital, tormenting the Green Machine defence and winning the two penalties converted by Benjamin Odeogun and Isaac Ngoma.
However, the 24-year-old’s individual brilliance could not prevent Highlanders from suffering their second consecutive defeat after a narrow loss to ZPC Kariba two weeks ago. The result left Bosso seventh on the table with 37 points, 16 behind leaders Scottland with nine matches remaining.
For a player making his Premier Soccer League debut, Tshuma’s rise has been remarkable.
On Sunday, his creativity repeatedly exposed the Caps United defence, particularly during a dominant first-half display when Highlanders had opportunities to take control of the match.
Mwaruwari, drawing from an 11-year European playing career that included a spell at English Premier League giants Manchester City FC, said Tshuma possesses the qualities required to succeed at the highest level.
“No doubt about that,” Mwaruwari said when asked whether Tshuma had the ability to play elite football.
"Mongameli is a very good player, even though he still has to develop a little bit. He's not scoring enough, but he’s creating enough. Sometimes, it takes time.
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“A Mongameli-type of player is difficult to get. He can play in any team as long as he fits in. He needs people who can read him quicker. He’s a very talented young man.”
Mwaruwari said Tshuma's advanced football intelligence sometimes exceeds the understanding of those around him, affecting his ability to convert his influence into goals and assists.
The Highlanders mentor, however, believes that with continued development, the winger can become a complete modern forward capable of competing in top leagues around the world.
Sunday’s defensive collapse, which saw Highlanders concede four goals, deepened a difficult period for the Bulawayo giants.
The club arrived in Harare still mourning the loss of three executive members — Kenneth Mhlophe, Sifiso Siziba and Nkani Khoza — as well as supporter Mbalenhle Sibanda, who died in a road accident.
The emotional burden, coupled with inconsistent results, has increased pressure on Mwaruwari during his first season in charge of the club.
“Of course, if you have two defeats in a row you are bound to get worried. Every coach, if you are in that situation, gets worried,” he said.
“We also conceded four goals, so it is worrying. But that is why we play football — to improve. If we perform badly today, then in the next game we have to do better. We have to regroup and try to win.”
Highlanders will have little time to dwell on their defensive shortcomings as they shift focus to the Munhumutapa Cup, where they face lower-division side Blackrock in a Round of 32 clash at Colliery Stadium in Hwange on Saturday.
