The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda in BULAWAYO
THEY danced in ecstasy as Solomon Skuza’s sweet tunes belted from the PA system.
The brave ones scaled the perimeter fence and swarmed the players as soon as Brighton Chimene blew the final whistle to end this contentious Chibuku Super Cup final played in front of a near capacity crowd at Barbourfields yesterday.
It was their moment, one they had waited for, for four years and when it came, Highlanders fans enjoyed it to the fullest.
Ngezi Platinum Stars stood between Bosso and glory, but in the end, it was a familiar figure who decided the contest.
Although the goal that brought the Chibuku Cup to the City of Kings and Queens was controversial, the identity of the scorer made the win more colourful for Bosso, who had last won a major cup final in December 2015, when they edged Chicken Inn 1-0 to win the Easycall Cup.
Prince Dube was only nine when Bosso last won the league title.
That was back in 2006, the same year he lost his father Danny.
The boy from Emganwini has now matured into the prince of Zimbabwe’s oldest football kingdom and yesterday he proved why he is now rated as one of the best players on the domestic scene with an exquisite strike that sparked controversy at Emagumeni yesterday.
After noticing that Ngezi Platinum Stars keeper Nelson Chadya was off line, Dube struck an exquisite outfooter that hit the underside of the bar.
When the ball bounced, it was not clear whether it crossed the line or not.
The assistant referee signaled a goal and that controversial moment determined the destiny of the 2019 Chibuku Super Cup.
The Kings and Queens of this land are savouring the moment.
“I am a real champ,” Highlanders coach Hendrick Pieter De Jongh boasted.
He even labelled Ngezi coach Rodwell Dhlakama a sore loser after the Mhondoro based gaffer complained about the controversial goal.
Nonetheless, history will record that Bosso are the 2019 Chibuku Super Cup champions.
De Jongh further endeared himself with the Highlanders.
There were instances when Bosso played with the kind of swag synonymous with their brand, especially when they are at Emagumeni.
Nqobizitha Masuku, clearly the unsung hero of this resurgent Bosso, was as sure footed as ever. Roving right back Maclive Phiri proved why he made the grade for the Warriors at one point.
However, the boy they call Mgadafi once again claimed all the fame as his strike capped Bosso’s revival under De Jongh.Bosso fans are loving this Dutch mentor.
While he is a temperamental gaffer who spends most of the time clashing with the fourth official, he is slowly becoming a hero in the City of Kings and Queens.
He has connected well with the Soweto Stand. He threw some t-shirts into that bay just before kickoff and sparked wild cheers from the highly anticipating crowd.
De Jongh looked anxious before the match and constantly gazed at his watch as if he could not wait for the kickoff whistle.
He was also dressed for the occasion in his famous blue suit and white shirt. Not to be outdone was his opposite number Rodwell Dhlakama who also came to work in neat blue trousers, a white shirt and a cool waistcoat.His brown belt matched his shoes as he barked instructions from the touchline.
However, the highly respected gaffer left Barbourfields a bitter man.
He felt his battling side had been robbed. He is of the opinion that Bosso benefited from a hometown decision.
But in the end, Bosso had the last laugh and are still laughing as you read this.
