Highlanders coach Bekithemba Ndlovu who was sitting on the bench when the team lost 0-1 to Premier Soccer League returnees Hwange FC at Colliery stadium yesterday says he was impressed by the boys’ performance despite defeat.
Eddie Nkhulungo scored the only goal in the 37th minute.
Highlanders dominated possession for the better part of the match, creating a couple of scoring chances which they however failed to convert.
They however, showed lack of fitness especially towards the end of both halves where their transition from attacking to defending left a lot to be desired.
Coach Bekithemba ‘Super’ Ndlovu said despite maintaining shape and playing beautiful passing football, the boys lacked match fitness, which he said the technical team will work on within the remaining twelve days before the PSL season starts.
“I think the boys played very well. The boys put a lot of effort although I think on fitness level its not where we want to be. But game wise, football wise they kept the ball very well and created some chances. What I also saw is that our transition from attacking to defending is very slow,” said Ndlovu.
Highlanders were without Prince Dube and Mbongeni Ndlovu who are in camp with the national under 23 squad, Bukhosi Sibanda and Cleopas Kapupurika.
Sibanda is still working on his fitness after missing the better part of the preseason training program due to an arm injury whilst Kapupurika is nursing a groin injury, and expected back on training tomorrow.
In the absence of Ndlovu, utility player Mbekezeli Sibanda played as a left back and did very well, being one the most outstanding players of the day.
Brian Banda produced a man of the match performance, creating most of the chances while Ray Lunga became the darling of the crowd because of his dribbling abilities.