Highlanders set to offload four players

HIGHLANDERS are set to offload and loan out four players during the second transfer-window amid revelations that already two players are training with the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League log leaders.

Highlanders lead the standings by five points and had relished the opportunity of extending that lead to eight points as they were set to play against city neighbours Chicken Inn at Barbourfields Stadium before the PSL postponed all the weekend matches due to the national team's engagement.

The second registration period comes in the middle of the season and does not exceed four weeks and is set by the national association.

Although the club secretary, Andrew Tapela, professed ignorance of both the plans to offload and the new players training with Highlanders, impeccable sources said former Caps United defender Ndumiso Khanye and former Highlanders goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini's younger brother Takunda Sadiki are training with the Bulawayo giants.

"A few players will be offloaded, mostly juniors, as the club wants to loan them to some Division One and even Premier League teams like Quelaton and Hardbody so that they gain some experience through getting game time," said a source.

Khanye is said to be a good cover-up in the event of an injury or suspension to any of the two central defenders, Eric Mudzingwa or Innocent Mapuranga, while Sadiki has reportedly impressed Bosso gaffer Kelvin Kaindu with his good ball distribution and an ability to pack shots from midfield. He is an attacking midfielder who can also play wide.

"I am not aware of any players training with us or of any plans to loan out some players. Until the technical manager tells us what to do, that is the position of the club at the moment," said Tapela.

The source also said defender Tendai Ndlovu, who will fall way down the pecking order if the club signs Khanye, might also be loaned out. Former FC Platinum player, Bhekimpilo Ncube, remains injured with the team doctors saying he might start light training in three months. Reports indicate that he came from the Midlands side allegedly carrying the injury.

Highlanders have a history of loaning their players, especially those coming from the junior stable, before recalling them when they have matured.

Anzilom Ndlovu and Thamsanqa Vundla were recalled from Chapungu and Hwange respectively during the Kennedy Ndebele and Nhlanhla Dube regime and were an instant hit at the club.

They had, prior to their loaning out, struggled to command regular jerseys at the then star-studded Tshilamoya.

Meanwhile, struggling Premiership side Quelaton are reportedly contemplating making business decision by selling their most prized possession Mhleli Sibanda to Harare side Caps United.

The pint-sized Sibanda, who plays in the midfield, has been shining like a beacon for the Bulawayo side and must have impressed Makepekepe scouts during the team's two visits to the capital this season.

"Nothing has been confirmed as yet but as a club, our policy is that we should not stand in the way of any player that wants to leave," club director Tawanda Ruzive said yesterday.