By Kudakwashe Kutinyo
BULAWAYO giants Highlanders gave away a 2-0 lead against a struggling Herentals FC side in a match that looked like a walk in the park for the table toppers in Harare at Rufaro stadium.
Visiting for the first time this season in the Capital Highlanders took an early lead through Brighton "MaNinja" Ncube and young Mvelo Khoza who was given a full debut after impressing in the previous match against Chicken Inn.
Victory for the black and white outfit looked certain after comfortably taking control of the game in the first but however a quick turn of events occurred when Herentals pulled one back due to another defensive error from Highlanders.
Highlanders Head coach Kelvin Kaindu reflected on the players lack of mental fitness and added that the players need to be confident
"We need to work on our mental strength and our character, we are trying to select the best possible players and for the first goal they lacked concentration and then for the second ball it might have been the goalkeeper", said coach Kaindu.
As the game was nearing the final whistle Herentals levelled the terms through non other than Tafadzwa Jim who sealed a brace and helped his team salvage a point against the current log leaders.
Elsewhere Chicken Inn edged past Hwange through a defensive blunder from Hwange defender who gifted Brighton Makopa an early goal in a match that could have ended in a stalemate as Hwange goalkeeper Bhekimpilo Ncube made several saves to deny the gamecocks a massive victory.
FC Platinum received a shock defeat to visitors ZPC Kariba courtesy of a Stanley Ngala goal who haunted his former employees. Stars Khama Billiat and Evans Rusike got on the score sheet for he first time as Yadah drew against Ngezi Platinum.
Once again nicknamed the "Acquaboys" by opponents Simba Bhora were hummered newcomers Bikita Minerals adding more misery to a star studded Simba Bhora FC who have since failed to collect maximum points in their laqst 2 games.
