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 Highlanders ......(1)4
Njube Sundowns...0
Scorers: G Banda, D Zimbago, C Malajila (2).
 REIGNING Golden Boot winner Cuthbert Malajila scored a brace and set up the third as Highlanders thumped neighbours Njube Sundowns in a CBZ Premiership Bulawayo derby at Barbourfields yesterday.
With the win, Highlanders also took an early lead on the Premiership standings as they were the biggest winners from the opening weekend.
Man-of-the-match Malajila had struggled to find the target ever since arriving on loan from Chapungu but yesterday he showed why he was the best in the Premiership last season with goals in the 77th and 85th minutes.
"I am happy to have scored at last. With the way my teammates are creating chances for me, I’m confident that many more goals will come this season," said Malajila after the match.
Defender Gilbert Banda gave Highlanders the lead after 30 minutes while Douglas Zimbago finished off a pass from Malajila to make it 2-0 in the 46th minute.
The final scoreline was in contrast to the start of the match as Njube Sundowns took the game to Highlanders hoping for a repeat of the 2-1 win they registered last season.
Young Thabani Kamsoko — a former Highlanders junior — came close to giving Philani Ncube’s side the lead in the fourth minute with a stinging shot which Highlanders goalkeeper, Washington Arubi did well to save.
Highlanders waited until the 19th minute for their first meaningful chance with Malajila heading over the bar a perfect cross from Wellington Sibanda. The 2006 champions then maintained pressure, which resulted in the opening goal by Banda who beat an ill-planned offside trap by Njube Sundowns following a corner to place the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Brian Ndlovu. Second into the second half, Highlanders went on a raid and Zephania Ngodzo’s cross into the box was brilliantly chested by Malajila to set up Zimbago who gladly took the gift to double Bosso’s lead.
It was now a Malajila show and he got on the scoresheet with a beautiful goal.
Wellington Sibanda gained possession just inside Njube Sundowns’ half, beat his marker, accelerated and then sent in a cross which Malajila met with a diving header.
With the game reaching the end, Malajila received a through ball and had veteran defender Sikhumbuzo Banda to beat.
Malajila turned and left Banda sprawling on the turf, teased the Njube Sundowns goalkeeper with both feet before scoring to make it 4-0.
Teams
Highlanders: W. Arubi, S. Alimenda, Z. Ngodzo, A. Ndlovu, C. Malajila, W. Sibanda, E. Mudzingwa, G. Banda, R. Choruma (I. Tinarwo, 62nd minute), D. Zimbago, G. Lunga.
Njube Sundowns: B. Ndlovu, S. Banda, T. Gwaringesu, M. Webb (J. Phiri, 76th minute), T. Ngulube, E. Chikwayikwayi, J. Shambarume (D. Mukandi, 76th minute), T. Kamusoko, T. Ndlovu (C. Chilufya, 57th minute), P. Tom, T. Moyo
Herald.
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