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Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter

LYNOTH Chikuhwa is enjoying a new lease of life at Highlanders, with the forward hitting the form of his life thanks to his fresh strike-force partnership,which appears to be bringing the best out of him.

The 29-year-old was lucky to escape the axe that fell on his fellow attackers at Bosso after enduring a near-barren 2023 season.

But somehow, he was spared in the clean-up that claimed the scalps of Washington Navaya, Ray Lunga and Stanley Ngala.

All eyes have been on him in the initial stages of the ongoing Castle Lager Premier Soccer League and his response has been reverting.

After just five match-days, Chikuhwa is already leading the league’s scoring charts with three goals.

That is the exact number of goals he scored in the entire season last year and the player seems to be a revitalised lot in a term he is expected to help Bosso win their first league title in 18 years.

He seems to be a beneficiary of the team’s new recruits, especially strike partners Brighton Ncube and Reason Sibanda’s incredible industry.

The two youngsters have brought a new attacking impetus which has been lacking at Bosso over the years and Chikuhwa is maximising on their energy.

Ncube has, just like Chikuhwa, hit the net three times for the log leaders.

“To be honest, the level of determination across the entire pitch is unbelievable,” said Chikuhwa.

“You look at every player right from the goalkeeper, you see a face written with total intent and zeal.

“I am very happy to be working with such energetic colleagues who hate defeat to the core. The two youngsters (Ncube and Sibanda) have loads of desire.

“Their work rate is amazing and I can’t help but enjoy playing with them. They play like senior players who have been in the trenches for some time.

“The same applies to everyone across the field.  I am really enjoying my game at the moment and I am looking forward to keeping it like that.

“I am doing a lot of extras as an individual. I want to make the season a memorable one so it’s all work. I am employed to score goals and my work becomes enjoyable when I am doing that.”

Chikuhwa will be looking to continue with his fine form when the unbeaten Bulawayo giants visit champions Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab this afternoon.

It was him who made the difference in the corresponding fixture last year, with his second-half spectacular giving Bosso the maximum points.

“Dwelling much into what happened last year could sway our attention as a team,” he said.

“We were happy to win that first leg fixture 1-0 and of course that was one of the matches I will not easily forget given the manner in which I scored.

“I have watched that goal maybe 50 times if not more. As Highlanders, we need to win that match to consolidate our place at the top.

“But Ngezi Platinum Stars were not last season’s champions by mistake. They are a very strong team and we know that it will take a great deal of effort from us to be able to win that match.

“It’s obviously one of the biggest games we have on our calendar and that means we need to put in the work.”

Ngezi Platinum Stars, on the other hand, know the significance that today’s match carries.

While the marathon is still taking its baby-steps, Ngezi Platinum Stars will fall eight points further down if they lose to the pace-setters.

That will be detrimental to a side looking to retain the championship.

Defender Gareth Madhake, the freshman of the season winner for Ngezi Platinum last year, said losing today’s battle will be a huge disservice to Madamburo.

“We know that Highlanders are a big team and they are enjoying their game leading the marathon at this stage. But we don’t have any other option but to win the duel against them,” he said.

Fixture:

Today: Bikita Minerals v Bulawayo Chiefs (Sakubva), TelOne v Yadah (Bata), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Highlanders (Baobab), Chicken Inn v Greenfuel (Luveve), Herentals v Manica Diamonds (Rufaro)

Tomorrow: Simba Bhora v Dynamos (Wadzanai), Chegutu Pirates v Hwange (Baobab), CAPS Utd v ZPC Kariba (Rufaro), Arenel Mover v FC Platinum (Luveve)