HARARE - For the first time this season, I emerged from a stadium satisfied with the football that had been displayed by the two teams in action.
Never mind the 1-1 result, the match pitting Castle Premiership newcomers ZPC Kariba and Highlanders at Gwanzura Stadium was a thriller.
Bosso arrived at Gwanzura high on confidence after a convincing 4-0 win over CAPS United in Bulawayo a week ago.
The Bulawayo giants were also top of the table with 12 points having fired in 13 goals in their previous six matches.
As for ZPC they were also a side on the rise after a good start to the campaign in their debut season in the top flight.
ZPC were second on the log as they had the same number of points as Bosso, only trailing on goal difference.
The match was billed to be a thriller and oh boys, oh boy! These two teams really put on an outstanding performance as they traded blows throughout the 90 minutes.
After his five-star performance against CAPS in the previous week, all eyes were on the Mamelodi Sundowns-bound Kuda Mahachi to show why he is a highly sort after talent.
The left-footed winger had a good game as he found little room to manoeuvre past the ZPC Kariba fullbacks Peter Muzondo and Obey Mwerahari.
The day belonged to another left-footed player though. It was ZPC Kariba forward Raphael Manuvire, who was the best player on the pitch.
At the end of the match, everyone had one question to ask: Who is that player wearing the number 10?
On Sunday, Manuvire was playing in the hole behind the two main strikers Limited Chikafa and Tawanda Nyamandwe.
The former Douglas Warriors and Mwana Africa forward flourished in this role as he had the Bosso defenders back-peddling every time he was in possession.
Manuvire has shown great already this season but on Sunday he was simply irresistible with the way he controlled the tempo of the game.
In their opening matches since gaining promotion from Division One, ZPC had been playing a cautious game defending deep and waiting to attack on the break.
As the season is progressing, Saul Chaminuka’s men are beginning to come out of their shell throwing out their conservative approach.
With the team now obliged to attack more, it is through Manuvire that the Kariba-based side have been able to venture forward often.
Against Bosso, Manuvire was able to find space in the final third and had the ability to pick up a pass, only to be let down by his teammates.
If Nyamandwe and Chikafa were on the same wavelength with Manuvire , ZPC could have easily won the match.
After falling behind to Eric Mudzngwa’s header shortly after halftime, the league debutants did not panic as they continued to play their normal game.
The equaliser was inevitable due to the way ZPC was playing and it was Manuvire, who was the architect of the goal.
He received possession on the right side channel before cutting inside to his favoured left foot.
Bosso fullback Bruce Kangwa was wrong footed and could not get a tackle in as Manuvire gently glided towards Ariel Sibanda’s goal.
Manuvire could not get a clear sight of goal and was forced to tee up the onrushing Mwerahari, who unleashed a thumping shot that crushed off both goalposts before coming into play.
Amidst the confusion that was created ball the ball ricocheting all over the post, Highlanders captain Innocent Mapuranga adversely directed the ball into his own net as he attempted to clear under the challenge of Artwell Nyamiwa.
In the end the two teams shared the spoils to remain unbeaten in seven games.
Manuvire, however, left his mark on this game ad if he continues with his form, ZPC Kariba will gorw from strength to strength.