Bosso fans bid Knox farewell

WITH Knox Mutizwa set to put pen to paper on a possible long-term deal at South African Premier Soccer League side Bidvest Wits early in the new year, some Highlanders' fans have taken to social media to bid him farewell.

Mutizwa emerged as the domestic topflight league's top goal scorer with 14 goals from 17 matches, having missed most of the season's first half through injury.

His goal scoring prowess at Bosso is second to the legendary Zenzo Moyo, despite being not an out and out striker.

Mutizwa impressed the Clever Boys' technical team during a trial stint in Johannesburg in mid December and fans wish him well as he prepares to begin the peak of his career in the South African Premiership.

The forward was a firm favourite among the fans at Barbourfields Stadium and is now only waiting for the Bulawayo giants and Wits' officials to agree on a deal to officially move to Johannesburg.

Bosso fan Mbuso Sibanda wished Mutizwa well in the South African Premiership, saying the player's career would continue to blossom if his good conduct on and off the pitch continues.

"Although not yet official, I wish him well. However, Bosso won't be the same without him as things stand right now. His timing was perfect on the field of play and did justice in leading the strike force. Knox was a clever striker who could read the game well," said Sibanda.

"With Obidiah Tarumbwa as his partner, they were magical in converting chances that came their way. Their combination was deadly and it's sad that we might not have a similar strike force next season."

He said it would be difficult for Bosso to replace Mutizwa, a product of the Bosso juniors, and his departure is likely to burden Tarumbwa, if he too does not move on to another team.

Bosso have not tied down some senior players that played a central role in the team's revival after an indifferent start to the season.

Tarumbwa was on a season's loan from Southern Region League side Bantu Rovers together with defender Teenage Hadebe and midfielder Nqobizitha Masuku.

Masuku has reportedly joined Zvishavane-based miners FC Platinum on a season's loan.

The Highlanders' leadership will only start talking to the players when their offices open for business in the new year, by which time some players might have signed for other clubs.

Perfect Gumbo said if Mutizwa continued to believe in himself, he could be among the South African Premiership's top scorers in his first season despite joining the league in mid-season, as he will be surrounded by quality players.

"We're happy for the young man. He has made a name for himself locally and it's sad that he is leaving Bosso without a replacement. It's a great step for him and we hope he continues to progress," said Gumbo.

Another Bosso fan Mduduzi Mpande said they were hoping that Mutizwa would lead their frontline again next season and was sad to see him go, especially since the club is bent on hiring an unknown and unproven foreign coach.

"The season ended on a high note for us, winning a trophy to restore lost pride, and Knox was central to all that. We are now worried about next season as he won't be at the club and there will be a new coach. We also don't know which players will still be at Highlanders, so we don't know whether we will be rebuilding again. But we wish Knox the best of luck at his new side in South Africa," said Mpande.