Highlanders 1-0 Ngezi Platinum
BULAWAYO – On a special day in the City of Kings, it was a Prince who reigned.
Prince Dube returned Highlanders to the big time on Saturday as his incredible first half strike fired them to cup glory in the Chibuku Super Cup final – and back to Africa as Zimbabwe’s representatives in the CAF Confederations Cup.
The goal, a stunning piece of magic coaxed with the outside of his right boot, will be debated for years to come. The ball, hit on the run from distance, kissed the underside of the crossbar and bounced off the goal-line area before Ngezi Platinum goalkeeper Nelson Chadya gathered.
The action happened so fast but there was only one man whose opinion mattered – Salani Ncube, the near side assistant referee patrolling the lines at the swimming pool end.
Ngezi Platinum protested strongly, insisting that the ball had not crossed the line but their protests were waved away by referee Brighton Chimene, who had no benefit of TV replays.
Cosmas ‘Tsano’ Zulu, who made his name at Highlanders but is now the goalkeepers’ coach at Ngezi, was sent to the stands for his over-eager protests.
In front of thousands of adoring fans at Barbourfields, the free-scoring Dube wheeled away in celebration, the goal confirming that he scored in all four rounds of the Chibuku Super Cup this year – a runaway player of the tournament.
The goal, on the stroke of halftime, denied Ngezi an opportunity to strike back immediately.
Ngezi improved in the second period, but the best opportunity fell to Dube in the 72nd minute when he was sent clear by Tinashe Makanda only to be denied by Chadya.
The cup triumph capped an incredible three months for Highlanders who have yet to lose a competitive fixture since Dutchman Hendrik Pieter de Jongh took over in September.
For winning the Chibuku Super Cup, Highlanders will pocket ZWL$225,000 while Ngezi won ZWL$150,000.
Highlanders now face a fight to hang on to the 22-year-old Dube, who is being watched by several South African clubs
Highlanders: A Sibanda, M Phiri, A Silla, B Banda, N Masuku, A Mbeba, P Muduhwa, M Ndlovu, T Makanda, P Dube, D Khumalo (Makaruse 60 mins)
Ngezi Platinum Stars: N Chadya, K Bulaji, W Makuva, P Moyo, G Takwara, F Makarati, D Teguru, B Mtigo (Nguluve 64 mins), M Mushonga, K Murera, Q Amini (Mushunje 64 mins)
