Bosso prophecy fulfilled

AS days drew closer towards yesterday's Mbada Diamonds Cup final showdown between Highlanders and How Mine it was evident that it was going to be a tense, exciting and colourful affair. The match was preceded by various events that made the tie all the more intriguing and edgy and showed promise of a fair share of action both on and off the pitch.

First, it was How Mine's alleged use of juju during the Mbada Cup semi-final game against Caps United, in a game where they were backed by Dynamos supporters, followed by Prophet Blessing Chiza's prediction that eventual Mbada Cup winners Highlanders would walk away with the cup.

Ndolwane Super Sounds' churning out their chart topping hits from their latest album, "Bakhuzeni", as part of the pre-match activities had the better part of the crowd swaying along to their tunes.

Highlanders fans twisted the lyrics of the title track from "Umuntu odelelayo uyakhuzwa" (a person who disrespects should be rebuked) to "Umuntu odelela iHighlanders uyakhuzwa" (a person who disrespects Highlanders should be rebuked), referring to How Mine's feat of beating the Bulawayo giants back to back in their league encounters this past season.

In such a high stakes game, psychological games were likely to be played out and they began when Highlanders' Under-16 team beat How Mine's juniors by thrashing them 3-1 in the curtain raiser that saw Highlanders fans begin the celebrations. As fate would have it, the senior team went on to score the same number of goals as their juniors.

With juju being on supporters' minds, a How Mine official sprinkled a liquid at Mpilo end goal posts just before the teams started warming up and was cheered on by his team's supporters.

However, Bosso fans would have none of that and a supporter from the Empankweni Stand quickly ran into the centre circle of the pitch and also sprinkled a liquid much to the delight of Highlanders' fans who urged him on.

It did not end there and as How Mine players came out of their dressing rooms instead of getting into the field they jogged right round the field to the chagrin of Bosso's supporters stationed in the Soweto end who booed them.

Dynamos fans seemingly heeded How Mine coach, Philani "Beefy" Ncube's call to come and back his team as the Mpilo end usually reserved for the opponents' supporters was awash with Dynamos flags.

The "How Mine fans" had a field day as they confiscated several paraphernalia from Highlanders supporters who invaded their "territory". First it was a flag, then a helmet and a scarf and all these were torn apart with another item being set alight in the second half of the match.

Organisers of the tournament promised a thrilling day full of fun and they managed to deliver with a variety of entertainment including music from Ndolwane Super sounds and a disco.

Ball juggler, Peter "Palolo"Mpofu also showed some of his tricks to the full house both before the main game and during the interval.

Iyasa also took to the ground before the game with well choreographed dances and an act that saw them showcase the trophy to the fans before the game began.

Highlanders' fans went wild as the trophy was moved to the centre circle as if they knew it was coming to their cabinet.

The icing on the cake came when the junior players entered the field with a round centrepiece. The centerpiece, a first for a local tournament, left many spectators in awe as it is something they only witness on television in high profile games played in other countries.

The centerpiece was designed by Mbada Diamonds' Ignatius Mazura and produced by African Graphics with Blessing Ruwende at the forefront.

The centerpiece showed Mbada Diamonds' willingness to take local soccer to greater heights and to international standards and the capacity that local companies have to match those standards.

Bosso seemed to have been taken in by Prophet Blessing Chiza's prophecy and after the final whistle, the players led by man of the match Peter "Rio" Moyo took off their jerseys to reveal white t-shirts with a picture of the man of the cloth and a message that read: "Prophet Chiza predicts a Bosso victory".

Victory celebrations even saw Bosso greats such as former goalkeeper, Peter "Captain Oxo" Nkomo joining the players in celebrating the victory.

Impromptu parties ensued in various parts in the city and are likely to continue for the whole week as Bosso's drought of a meaningful Cup came to an end yesterday with a win over the Premiership debutants.