Highlanders technical manager Mark Harrison is pleased with the dressing room influence of older players Mkhokheli Dube (36) and Mitchell Katsvairo (30) currently training with his squad.
Dube and Katsvairo put up a good show on Sunday as Bosso beat Black Rhinos 1-0 in one of the two friendly matches played at Barbourfields stadium on Sunday.
The veteran Dube, who made his league debut for Highlanders in the year 2000 scored the only goal, converting from close range Katsvairo’s low cross.
The other match ended on a 2-1 scoreline in favour of Highlanders courtesy of goals from Adrian Silla and Ray Lunga who cancelled Orsbone Mukuradare’s first half goal.
Responding to questions from journalists about the two ‘old’ players, Harrison said; “The old players bring something to the dressing room that was not there. At the end of the day you can’t play a team with all old players or play with just young players. You need to have a balanced squad. The young players can’t learn from each other; they need to have experience around them. The two oldest players made the goal and that proves something,” he said.
The Bosso gaffer who was pleased with the performance of his two teams is already counting down to his first biggest match of the season when he welcomes FC Platinum at Barbourfields stadium for the Castle Challenge Cup set for March 14.
He reckoned that Black Rhinos were an equally competitive side on the day, adding that he was happy with the way his players handled the game.
“It was a good game today and this is what we needed. They did not come here for a holiday; they are here to prepare for the season as we are doing. They are a very good team. They were disciplined and that’s what we wanted. We did not want an easy game. We fought to the last whistle and l am pleased with the way the boys played.”