HARARE - Highlanders' influencial midfielder Masimba Mambare has showered Bosso coach Kelvin Kaindu with praise for turning him into a “new player” in a season the Zambian came agonisingly close to guide the Bulawayo giants to their first Premiership title in six years.

Mambare had a brilliant season with Bosso in the just-ended season, helping the club to second place in a photo finish with eventual champions Dynamos for the 2012 Castle Premiership title.

Although a member of Motor Action’s championship-winning squad in 2010, Mambare was never viewed as one of the leading players in that Mighty Bulls side, with such players as Charles Sibanda, Bheki Ncube and Allen Gahadzikwa stealing the limelight.

It is with Highlanders that Mambare has exhibited his real potential as a player capable of leading from the front and win games for his team.

Mambare attributes his newly-found standing to Kaindu.

 “He’s been very influential in my career and is one of my best coach so far,” Mambare told the Daily News yesterday.

 “Not necessarily taking anything away from my former coaches who include (Motor Action boss) Joey Antipas and some of my mentors at junior level, he has given me the reason to believe in myself and the team.”

For his exploits in the season, Mambare was duly selected as one of 11 Castle Soccer Star of the Year finalists, where he is expected to feature in the top three at the awards ceremony on December 13.

He, however, speaks of the pain of losing the league title to rivals Dynamos on mere goal difference.

 “It pains to end up on the losing side after coming all the way, only to be relegated to second place by Dynamos at the last minute,” he added.

 “Overall, I think I had a fairly decent season and by God’s Grace, I will get the award on the day of reckoning.”