Bosso likely to add 2 Zambians

HIGHLANDERS FC are likely to add two Zambians Ignatius Lwipa and Trinity Chalanshi to their 2013 Castle Lager Premiership campaign squad.

Both the coach Kelvin Kaindu and club chairman Peter Dube confirmed the developments.

The duo plays for former Zambian champions Zanaco for whom Kelvin Kaindu played and is keen to rekindle their relationship.

They are among a number of players from across the Zambezi River who have shown interest in playing for the Bulawayo giants.

"Quite a number of Zambian players want to work with me because I have previously worked with them in Zambia where I was assistant coach at Zanaco.

"I have advised the executive and they are working on the logistics. Chances are high we might have one or two players from Zambia this season," said Kaindu.

Lwipa has been capped at Under-23 and senior national team level. He plays as a striker and is rated among the most consistent in the Zambian league in the last five years.

Kaindu described him as a complete player who would certainly add value to Highlanders' quest for glory.

"He would make a difference ... he is a complete player who can play a number of positions from midfield to the strike force. He is mature too.

"The executive members are aware of my intentions to bring the two players on trial. They are working on the logistics. What I have observed is that there is a general problem of strikers in the region, perhaps Africa as a whole.

"There is need to work on that from grassroots levels. It's up to us as coaches to put more emphasis on the aspect of finishing and scoring," said Kaindu.

Chilanshi, he said, was a good midfielder who could win balls and initiate attacks when played on the defensive. He is equally good on the offensive and would add a new dimension to the team's play.

Kaindu said 2013 would not be an easy year for his club.

"We will have to work extra hard. We set ourselves high standards and expectations will even be higher than last year when we began the challenge. We have to work harder in order to produce better results. There is indeed room for improvement," said the former Bosso and Zambia senior national team winger.

The Bosso coach said he was happy that all his players including Masimba Mambare, the club's most outstanding player for 2012, Bruce Kangwa and striker Cleopas Dube had by Wednesday turned up for training at Hillside Dams.

"I am happy with the turnout. All the players by yesterday were at training, it is encouraging to see the positive attitude of the players," he said.

The former Bosso winger said he was not happy with not winning the most disciplined award with his team last season as they had  fewer cautions and expulsions than most of the clubs.

The $10 000 prize went to Monomotapa.

Kaindu said behaviour on the terraces by fans had cost them that honour but still he sang the praises of his charges.

"In terms of discipline the boys were the best. I challenge them to keep it up. My disappointment is that they could not win the award because of trouble in the stands which is something the players have no control over. I implore all stakeholders to work together for the good of the club and the boys. We need to educate our fans about the effects of such behaviour on the team and the club. Discipline and fair play is what we should stand for in the game".

Bosso chairman Dube confirmed the interest in the Zambians.

"The coach has told us about the players. We welcome any player who adds value to the club and we will work on the nitty-gritties. This could also mean us releasing some players to create room for the Zambians. We are behind Kaindu and the boys," said Dube.

Highlanders have been home to some brilliant Zambians - Kaindu, Jones Mulenga, Charles Chilufya, Manase Mwanza, Dabwitso Nkhoma and some who did not rise to the occasion like Matthews Ndlovu, Willie Musukwa, Kashinga Mulunda and Mulenga Chewe.

Two coaches, Fred Mwila and Dick 'The Gentle Giant' Chama, have also their luck at Bosso.