Highlanders FC hunt for striker, rightback

HIGHLANDERS FC are in dire need of an experienced striker and a right back to wrap up their pre-season signings.

Speaking ahead of their friendly match against FC Platinum at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon, Highlanders coach Bongani Mafu who is finalising his squad said they have asked the club's executive to negotiate with their targets.

Following the departure of 2013's joint top goalscorer Charles Sibanda who decided to join cross-town rivals How Mine, Bosso were left without an experienced centre striker with Ozias Zibande and fringe Young Warriors' Mgcini Sibanda being notable target men left from last season's squad.

Speed merchant Gabriel Nyoni has proved to be effective playing as a decoy striker, dropping into the midfield or coming from the wing.

In an effort to add firepower, the Bulawayo giants are closing in on Thomas Chideu who is coming from DC Academy and Ashton Mhlanga formerly with Bantu Rovers, Bulawayo Chiefs and Black Mambas.

However, with Mhlanga and Chideu not having Premiership experience, Mafu who has over 30 players and is expected to wield the axe after the FC Platinum game, says an experienced striker to guide his "virgin" forwards is what he needs.

"My main priority right now is getting an experienced striker and a right back then we will be home, safe and dry. As a technical team we have noted that these are the two positions that we need to fill and have since advised the club's leadership to engage some of our targets," said Mafu.

Pressed on who his targets were, the coach said; "There are a number of names that we have been pondering on and the route may lead to lower divisions if we fail to get one in from a Premiership club."

Some of the players with Premiership experience that have been linked to Bosso are Bantu Rovers' Obadiah Tarumbwa, Hwange duo of Gilbert Zulu and Aleck Marime, former Highlanders' junior Patrick "Mboma" Mpofu who became a one-off wonder during the Dick Chama era and Tawanda Nyamandwe of ZPC Kariba.

On the rightback, a position that has always been a problem for Highlanders since the departure of Noel Kaseke a decade ago, the Bosso gaffers' options are zeroing in on Hwange's Tonisani Sibelo, Zephaniah Ngodzo and Lawson Nkomo who has on numerous times been seen working on his fitness with Erick Mudzingwa at a city gym.

Mafu had been assessing Marshal Machazane who played the entire game against Chapungu last week, Lewis "Rambo" Ncube, a Highlanders junior player who was on loan to Black Boots last season and Webster Chingodza.

Chingodza joined Bosso during the 2014 mid-season window, playing a few matches due to injury.

The players under the spotlight, should they be given an opportunity to play this afternoon, will be expected to give their all as the axe will be hovering over their heads.

Mafu is expected to give new acquisitions who include central defender Lindelani "Vice" Ncube, leftback Julius Dauda, defensive midfielder Tendai Ngulube and Edmore Muzanenhamo a run against FC Platinum.

Football enthusiasts should expect an entertaining game as FC Platinum will field a full-strength side which is expected to start in their first leg of the Orange Caf Confederations Cup first round encounter against Sofapaka in Kenya next weekend.

FC Platinum's skipper Daniel Vheremu, goalkeeper Petros Mhari, Thabani Kamusoko, Zambian national Aaron Katebe and Obrey Chirwa are expected to lead a youthful side that will also have Young Warriors' Wisdom Mutasa, Walter Musona, Elvis Moyo, Tafadzwa Dzumbunu, Kelvin Moyo and new signing Emmanuel Mandiranga.