Ghanaian striker for Bosso

A GHANAIAN striker is reportedly on his way to Highlanders with indications that the forward could be available for the friendly match on Sunday against Division One side BCC Golden Stars at Barbourfields Stadium.

Highlanders are on the verge of landing Bantu Rovers striker Obadiah Tarumbwa, midfielder Nqobizitha Masuku and defender Teenage Hadebe.

However, Tshintsha Guluva general manager Wilbert Sibanda was diplomatic and said the two parties (Highlanders and Bantu Rovers) were discussing and they had agreed that they would not be commenting on the deal until it is finalised.

"We are still discussing with Highlanders, but I will not be telling you the names of the players as we have agreed not to comment on the matter as yet," Sibanda said.

However, sources said the three players would be at Highlanders on loan for an undisclosed period.

Yesterday morning, Hadebe and another Bantu Rovers player Tafadzwa Kutinyu are believed to have signed for Chicken Inn, but the fast foods outlet team spokesperson Tavengwa Hara said: "We learnt a lot from Kuda Mahachi and we are not going to be developing junior players for other clubs when they come to us on loan."

Mahachi, now at Mamelodi Sundowns, was loaned to Chicken Inn by Bantu Rovers and before he packed his bags for South Africa, he played for Highlanders on loan from the Brazilians. Although not much has been revealed, a Zambian defender is headed to the Bulawayo giants and is expected before the weekend.

According to a source, the Ghanaian striker who has not been named, is said to have been playing in Mozambique before agreeing to be assessed at Highlanders.

"He was expected to have been on his way today. He is in Harare at the moment and Highlanders are expecting him by tonight (last night). He was based in Mozambique," said the source.

There are indications that the striker could have been delayed as some clubs in Harare are interested in him.

Highlanders are racing against time to complete their list for the 2015 season which they are expected to hand over to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) by tomorrow.

Bosso's chief executive officer (CEO) Ndumiso Gumede could neither confirm nor deny reports on the foreign two saying: "All I can tell you is that we must provide a list to the PSL by Friday after we have finished total recruitment. However, we think the final list will be done after our trip to Victoria Falls."

Some of the players in the Highlanders list include Liberty Chirava, Julius Daudi, Edmore Muzanenhamo, Thomas Chidewu, Mlungisi Ncube, Douglas Sibanda, Tendai Ngulube, Ashton Mhlanga, Arnold Ndiweni and Peter Muduhwa.

Players that have been retained include Ariel Sibanda, Njabulo Nyoni, Felix Chindungwe, Eric Mudzingwa, Simon Munawa, Mthulisi Maphosa, Rahman Kutsanzira, Knox Mutizwa, Gabriel Nyoni, Welcome Ndiweni, Ozias Zibande, Webster Chingodza, Honest Moyo, Godfrey Makaruse, Bruce Kangwa and King Nadolo.

Former captain Innocent Mapuranga and striker Simba Sithole are not on the list that Southern Eye gleaned.

"There are three slots that have been left open because we are still negotiating with the players. We hope that come Friday we would have completed all negotiations," said Gumede.

The Bosso CEO said he could not reveal the three players as their negotiations were still ongoing.

"We will release the names of the players on the list once the negotiations are completed. I cannot say who the three are as this could jeopardise the negotiations," he said.

Gumede said the team had a full programme of friendlies.

"We have been invited to play (Southern Region Division One side) Bulawayo City this Sunday. Next week we have a full programme. We will be playing a Victoria Falls select which is made up of players in Division One," he said.

The Highlanders boss said the aim was "not to show off our prowess against minnows, but we want to begin to build bonds between the players because they come from different backgrounds".

Highlanders will make stopovers in Lupane and Hwange where they are expected to meet some of their members.

Head coach Bongani Mafu confirmed that he had submitted the list, but indicated it was subject to change as there are slots that need to be filled.

"Yes, I have submitted the list to the executive, but there are places that I need to be filled in and there are players that I have in mind," he said.

"I am content with the players that I have and I believe in them. They are a unit and we have a good working relationship. I believe they can take responsibility of the team."

Highlanders have organised friendly matches with a Victoria Falls select side next weekend as they take a mini-tour of Matabeleland North with most of the players on Mafu's list expected to feature.

He said the team's trip to Victoria falls next weekend would serve as a bonding session for the players.

"We want to go and play in Victoria Falls and I want to get to know the players outside their comfort zone," he said.