BULAWAYO - Zimbabwe international Nyasha Mushekwi scored a first half brace as touring South African giants beat Highlanders 2-0 at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.

Mushekwi struck in a three minute spell to take the stuffing out of the hosts who had started brightly.

His first goal came on 13 minutes when the usually dependable Eric Mudzingwa completely missed a cross by Sundowns right-back Ramahlwe Mphahlele and the ball fell for the former CAPS United striker who slotted home from inside the box.

Mushekwi struck again three minutes later after exchanging passes with his fellow strike partner Edward Manqele before firing a bullet past Highlanders keeper Ariel Sibanda.

After the two goals Sundowns took the foot off the pedal but the home side failed to rise to the occasion with captain Innocent Mapurangaand Mthulisi Maphosa being the only infield players who were not awestuck by Pretorians.  

The match was the first of three friendly matches The Brazilians will play on their five-day tour of Zimbabwe.

The former South African champions will face CAPS United at Harare’s Rufaro Stadium tomorrow before closing against local champions Dynamos on Sunday. - Sakheleni Nxumalo