Caps United beat Highlanders to break winless jinx over old rivals

By Auther Chimbgwa

Caps United broke their winless jinx against Highlanders at Barbourfields stadium when they beat the old rivals 2-1 in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer league Match Day 9 fixture played before a bumper crowd.

Caps last tested victory at Barbourfields against Highlanders about 11 years ago courtesy of a 1-0 triumph in 2015.

In their last eight visits to Bulawayo to face Highlanders, the Green Machine have recorded four draws and four losses.

Caps gaffer Takesure Chiragwi’s men are now four points clear of second placed Hardrock.

Kudzai Chigwida was the first to punish Highlanders in the 34th minute for poor marking and guided the ball into the back of the net from a tight angle after a set piece.

Dominic Njaliwa followed that up in the 61st minute when his glancing header hit the upright and nestled into the back of the net – again after a set piece.

Darlington Mukuli then struck for Highlanders late on to set up a feverish finish to the game.

But Caps United held on for dear life to preserve their lead.

In another match played same day, Dynamos drew nil-all with ZPC Kariba at Rufaro stadium, and though a disappointing result for them, they managed to preserve their unbeaten record in the league since late last season.

On Saturday, Scottland prevailed by 1-0 over MWOS at Ngoni stadium.

The match looked to be a one-sided affair in which Mabviravira dictated the pace with young star Mafios Chihweta in scintillating form and the scorer Khama Billiat scooping the Man of the Match award at the end.

The two teams’ rivalry began when they both played in Zimbabwe’s Division One football more than two seasons ago.

It was Scottland’s first win at Ngoni stadium on their third attempt after a draw in 2024 and a defeat in 2025 on previous two visits.

Hardrock drew nil-all with Manica Diamonds in a match that started 20 minutes late at the Green Fuel Arena as the home team reportedly turned late for the match.

Simba Bhora ran riot against FC Platinum as they scored three goals in the first half in a match that ended 3-0 at Wadzanayi stadium.

It was a baptism of fire for Simba Bhora’s former head coach Joel Luphahla as he returned to Shamva in charge of FC Platinum.

Elsewhere, Ngezi Platinum Stars had to come back from behind to level matters in a 2-2 cause against struggling AGAMA at Baobab stadium in Mhondoro-Ngezi.

At Ascot stadium, Ralf Kawondera scored his sixth goal of the season for Herentals College as they defeated out of sorts TelOne by 1-0 whilst Chicken Inn fell 2-0 to Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields stadium in a Bulawayo derby.

Debutants FC Hunters finally recorded their first win of the season in the elite Zimbabwean football league when they beat Triangle United 1-0 at the Heart stadium in Waterfalls.

Following today’s matches, Caps United remain in pole position on the league table with 22 points while Hardrock are second on 18 points. Dynamos, Ngezi Platinum Stars and Scottland all share 17 points.

All teams have played nine games each.