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US$2 000 bonus fueled BF frenxy
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Highlanders turned Barbourfields Stadium into a sea of black and white on Sunday, stunning Zimbabwe's "Manchester City" of football, Scottland FC, in a Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final clash that will be remembered in Emagumeni folklore.
Scottland FC arrived in style from Harare, chauffeured from Joshua Mqabuko International Airport in a luxury team bus and boasting a star-studded line-up, benching both Musona brothers, Knowledge and Walter. The visitors quickly lived up to their reputation, with Kindsley Mureremba opening the scoring before Khama Billiat doubled their lead, leaving the Bosso faithful momentarily stunned.
However, Highlanders' resilience shone through. Learnmore Muyambo sparked hope with a crucial strike, followed by a stunning equaliser from vice-captain Andrew Mbeba, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Regulation time ended 2-2, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout.
Highlanders captain Ariel "Mangoye" Sibanda rose to the occasion, pulling off crucial saves that secured a 2-1 victory on penalties, sparking wild celebrations among fans. Head coach Hendrik Pieter de Jongh saluted the Soweto Stand and later shared a rare moment of sportsmanship with a crestfallen Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya.
De Jongh rewarded his players' heroics with a US$2 000 cash bonus for Sibanda, a gesture the goalkeeper said was his way of motivating the squad. "When we beat Herentals in the first round, he also gave us US$2 000 to share. We are very grateful," Sibanda said.
For Scottland FC, it was a bitter defeat. Their designer suits, luxury bus, and star power could not match the passion, grit, and unity of the Bosso faithful. As the sun set over Barbourfields, the echoes of victory chants reminded everyone that money can buy stars - but not glory.
Scottland FC arrived in style from Harare, chauffeured from Joshua Mqabuko International Airport in a luxury team bus and boasting a star-studded line-up, benching both Musona brothers, Knowledge and Walter. The visitors quickly lived up to their reputation, with Kindsley Mureremba opening the scoring before Khama Billiat doubled their lead, leaving the Bosso faithful momentarily stunned.
However, Highlanders' resilience shone through. Learnmore Muyambo sparked hope with a crucial strike, followed by a stunning equaliser from vice-captain Andrew Mbeba, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Regulation time ended 2-2, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout.
De Jongh rewarded his players' heroics with a US$2 000 cash bonus for Sibanda, a gesture the goalkeeper said was his way of motivating the squad. "When we beat Herentals in the first round, he also gave us US$2 000 to share. We are very grateful," Sibanda said.
For Scottland FC, it was a bitter defeat. Their designer suits, luxury bus, and star power could not match the passion, grit, and unity of the Bosso faithful. As the sun set over Barbourfields, the echoes of victory chants reminded everyone that money can buy stars - but not glory.
Source - BMetro
