By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
MUNASHE KAMWENDO wrote his name into ZPC Kariba folklore with a dramatic 84th-minute strike that finally exorcised the Nyamhunga Stadium curse, handing the electricity boys a priceless 1-0 victory over Highlanders in a tense Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash on Tuesday.
The hosts had never beaten Bosso on home soil in the Premier League era, but Kamwendo’s late heroics ensured that unwanted statistic was banished to the history books in front of a jubilant home faithful.
From the opening whistle, ZPC Kariba signalled their intent to rewrite the script. Winger Tinashe Ruzive was a livewire down the right flank, whipping in dangerous deliveries that had the Highlanders backline scrambling.
But the defensive pairing of Nomore Chinyerere and Mongameli Tshuma stood like a brick wall, repelling wave after wave of attack.
In the engine room, Clive Dzingayi pulled the strings with authority, dictating tempo and ensuring ZPC Kariba‘s possession bore purpose. Yet for all their dominance, clear-cut chances remained elusive.
Fanuel Shoko broke through the Bosso rearguard only to blaze over, while Brian Mukucha’s effort was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Aron Gwenya.
Highlanders, despite a disjointed midfield display, still managed to carve out openings of their own. Future Sibanda was forced into action to deny Darlington Mukuli, while Never Rauzhi tried his luck from distance but failed to hit the target.
Brian Kusinyera then danced through the Bosso defence for the hosts, only to fire straight into Gwenya’s grateful arms.
The second half followed a similar pattern—both sides composed but toothless in the final third. Highlanders came agonisingly close when Benjamin Adeogun found space, only for Kuzivakwashe Madima to throw his body in the way with a heroic block.
Dzingayi continued to pull the strings, Ruzive kept tormenting down the flank, and Bosso spurned a golden opportunity when Mvelo Khoza failed to convert from close range. It looked destined to be one of those frustrating afternoons for the hosts.
Then came the 84th-minute breakthrough. Kamwendo, lurking with intent, found a pocket of space in the box and showed ice-cool composure to fire past Gwenya. The Nyamhunga Stadium erupted as the weight of history finally lifted off ZPC Kariba’s shoulders.
Highlanders threw everything forward in search of a leveller, and Mukuli nearly snatched a dramatic equaliser, but his header drifted agonisingly wide as Bosso’s hopes evaporated.
ZPC Kariba Head Coach, Expense Chitukutuku:
“We gave our supporters exactly what they deserved. We had promised them points, and we delivered. This is just the beginning—we intend to finish the season on a high note. Breaking this jinx shows the character in this dressing room.”
Highlanders Head Coach, Benjan Mwaruwari:
“Honestly, we weren’t good enough, especially in that first half. When you’re playing away from home, particularly at a difficult venue like Kariba, you simply cannot afford to miss your chances. If you don’t punish teams, they will punish you—and that’s exactly what happened today. We need to be more ruthless.”
This victory is more than just three points for ZPC Kariba—it’s a psychological breakthrough against one of Zimbabwe’s giants. For Highlanders, it’s a bitter pill to swallow as their title aspirations take another hit in a season where consistency has proven elusive.
Kamwendo’s late strike may well prove to be the turning point in ZPC Kariba‘s campaign, while Bosso are left to ponder what might have been on a day when fine margins decided the outcome.
About Author
