Gilbert Banda still to renew Bosso contract

Highlanders' captain and former Warriors' defender Gilbert Banda has not renewed his contract with the Bulawayo football giants.

Banda on Monday told this publication that he is not yet decided on his next move.

"I have not signed anything. I am still deciding and weighing up options," Banda said.

Bosso chairman Themba Ndlela's annual general meeting statement also reveals that Banda and veteran striker Chipo Tsodzo have not put pen to paper with Highlanders.

Sixteen players have been listed as contracted and registered with the Bulawayo soccer giants, who have retained the services of goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda, defenders Innocent Mapuranga, Gift Lunga, Lawson Nkomo and Brighton Choto, midfielders Eric Mudzingwa, Bekithemba "Super" Ndlovu and Abraham Mbaiwa.

The strikers who are still with Bosso are the pair of Rahman Kutsanzira and Bruce Kangwa. From the juniors Highlanders have enlisted the services of goalkeepers Talbert Shumba and Bhekinkosi Ndlovu, defender Tendai Ndlovu and striker Bongani Rabvu.

Rabvu, Shumba and Nkomo have three-year contracts while the rest of the players have one and two-year deals.

Also from the juniors and recruited to the senior team are Sijabuliso Ndlovu, Arnold Ndiweni, Wilfred Maguraumwe, Honest Moyo, Mgcini Sibanda and Archford Katsande, who have signed five-year contacts.

Highlanders lost eight players from the 2010 squad including steely defender Zephania Ngodzo and his sibling Joel.

The Ngodzo brothers have joined the Great Trek to cash-rich FC Platinum. Another defender Brighton Dube has also joined FC Platinum together with Francis Kanda.

Kanda, Protasho Kabwe and Menard Mupera were sacked by the team for indiscipline, claims chairman Ndlela in his statement. Simbarashe Gate and Takunda Mapara have been offloaded due to poor performance.

Highlanders head coach Mkhuphali "Mr Cooper" Masuku yesterday said the clubs was still assessing some players undergoing trials.

"We are still assessing some players who came for trials and we will know by Thursday who we are taking aboard," Masuku said.