Highlands find winning formula
Rookies’ attitude and spirit pleases coach Da Gama
Highlands Park coach Owen da Gama is excited that his side managed to wipe tears off themselves and those of their supporters with a 2-0 victory over Cape Town City at Makhulong Stadium, Tembisa, on Saturday.
The hosts went into the Absa Premiership fixture limping and hurting after suffering a 2-1 midweek loss to AmaZulu, a defeat that had extended the winless streak to four matches in all competitions. “We are excited, but we are slowly getting where we want to get,” Da Gama said. “We understand we brought most of the NFD players up with us up. Some will immediately find their feet, some will take time. We are patient.
“It is a process. The best way to learn is the hard way, and we are happy with the fact that we create those chances.” City had been on a threegame winning streak before succumbing to Highlands. Highlands went to the home ground on Saturday fully prepared to die with their boots on, and the winning mentality was evident from the beginning as they forced the Capetonians keeper, Peter Leeuwenburgh, to make several saves early in the game.
But Highlands relentless attack eventually paid dividends. Namibian striker Peter Shalulile connected a cross from Lindokuhle Mbatha and slotted home in empty posts in the 50th minute. City came close to scoring, but Roland Putsche’s shot went over the top and few minutes later, striker Tendai Ndoro finished off a move from inside the box in the 84th.
“I’m happy for his attitude, his spirit and contribution,” said Da Gama of Ndoro. “Tendai has been an absolute plus to this team. He is a senior player; he motivates and talks to the others. Look, we don’t have the depth like other teams, but we will make do with what we’ve got.”