Striker dumps Bosso

HIGHLANDERS have parted ways with injury-prone striker Ozias Zibande after the diminutive forward refused to extend his contract with the Bulawayo giants on the advice of his advisors.

Zibande broke into the Highlanders first team in 2012, but has only made four starts and come on as a substitute on six occasions, scoring five goals in the process.

Bosso coach Bongani Mafu accused Zibande of negotiating in bad faith.

"Zibande is gone; let's not mince our words there and even if he was to come between now and the closing time for the transfer, I would not have him," said Mafu at the club's weekly Press conference yesterday.

Mafu sounded emotional about Zibande, a player gifted with a rare heading talent and sudden burst of speed when taking on opponents, saying it was so sad the player was relying on bad advisors.

"I'm very sad for Ozias. I think young people need professionals to help guide them in life. I value Zibande seriously as a Highlanders player, but the boy is badly advised and that's sad," said Mafu.

It is believed Zibande's advisors are directors of a Mpopoma-based club who promised Welcome Ndiweni a stint in Cyprus, but the deal has since collapsed resulting in the former Bosso midfielder signing for Southern Region League side Bulawayo City.

Mafu said Zibande had walked away from negotiations a record four times after seemingly agreeing terms with Amahlolanyama.

He said the player would ask for some time to go through the proposed deal, only to sneak out of the club's offices unnoticed.

It is not known where Zibande is headed to as he was unavailable to shed light on his next move.