(One of the few players people could identify - Gilbert Banda)
Highlanders F.C played goalless draw in an electrifying atmosphere like the one of yesteryear at Bourbarfields Stadium against Jomo Cosmos of South Africa, in Johannesburg, South Africa. While the game did not rise to the expectation, people were content being there singing, dancing and being crazy. The Highlanders FC vs Jomo Cosmos FC match was organised by SAWIMA as a campaign against xenophobia.
They say the atmosphere in the stands was electric, reminding people of the days gone by, at another time and another place. There were unfortunate issues with gay people in the stadium.
The match was not the standards people expected. "It was more an outing with friends people and reliving the days when we stormed the BF stadium." said Blessing Phiri, who watched the match in the company of many colleagues.
People didn't recognise players of old. The team is basically a new look to many except Captain Gilbert Gidza Banda and Bekithemba Mabatha Ndlovu, himself at home in these shores having played for the Dube Birds, Moroka Swallows and Platinum Stars among others.
There is a chance of a return match at a date to be agreed. This blog will do all possible to keep you posted on the developments. The giant has fallen. If you were there, tell us more about the game, the atmosphere, the singing and all.
Dread man was Mkuphali Masuku @ Owen . Was very much impressed by the fans though i cannot say the same about the players - the Bosso jnr policy is the way to go ...
ReplyDeleteIts gud 2 knw tht Amahlolanyama salvaged a draw. In the African safari our record hasnt been impressive and i wish them the best of luck in the return leg Emagumeni. Ayisoze ibulawe!! Bosso Ngenkani
ReplyDeleteI hope i'll attend the return leg since i'm in hre, keep us posted abt the dates.
ReplyDeleteI'll keep you posted baba. Keep watching this space.
ReplyDeleteThat is what I think was important. It is a team that played badly and did not lose. I hope the organisers will be following through with the return leg. Akulahlwa mbheleko nge draw.
ReplyDeleteIt is surely expected. At least all our fans know the limitations of this team. Ukuqambelana amanga akuncedi, that team is just too weak...
ReplyDeleteBra Ndex, the guy was putting on Jersey number 7.
ReplyDeleteOn what i will do as a leader of the team
1. Revive the youth policy/development so that we get much of our players from the junior policy as this will save us in buying players or use recycled out of form players.
2. Play our brand of football that attract a lot of fans ( carpet soccer).
3. Instill the winning drive in the players, the players have to be hungry to win and pay the players decent salaries and good winning bonuses.
4. We do vigorous advertising and marketing in Zim, RSA, UK , USA etc, by setting up offices and selling the Highlanders memorabilia.ie, T shirts, caps, dvds, cds etc.
5. Organize more friendly matches with PSL teams so that they can effectively market themselves.
According to what I gather, the team played with numbers that they dont normally use back home...Gidza was wearing number 10 and Zeph was wearing number 15. The guy wearing number 7 was Simba Gate, hopefully.
ReplyDelete