'Reimburse us for Tshiki,' Bosso told

MIMOSA-owned Castle Lager Premier Soccer side FC Platinum want part of the money they used to sign Njabulo "Tshiki' Ncube at the beginning of the year if they are to release him to Highlanders.

Highlanders' chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede revealed that they met FC Platinum officials who expressed their intention to release the player but want a part refund as the burly striker penned a one-year contract with them in January.

Although Gumede was not at liberty to disclose how much the Zvishavane-based side wanted, the figure is reportedly in the region of $4 000 and $5 000.

"Besides part of the signing on fee, FC Platinum said Ncube owes them money and they want it back. They told us Ncube disappeared but if he wants to leave they would not stand in his way and only want those amounts reimbursed.

"As Highlanders we do not have access to unlimited funds hence we are still making plans to raise the money as the technical team requested that we bring the player on board," he said.

Gumede said while they were making efforts to sign the player, the issue was complicated by the manner in which Ncube left at the beginning of the year after his contract with the team ended last year, revealing he also owes Highlanders money after they bailed him out in Botswana before he made a return to Bosso.

Tshiki was negotiating with Highlanders when FC Platinum dangled a higher signing on fee, which he did not hesitate to take.

Ncube, who has turned out to be Bosso's prodigal son is most certain to once again don the black and white jersey for the umpteenth time.

Gumede said they were looking to replace the three players that left, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Milton Ncube, Peter "Rio" Moyo, with Khumbulani Banda also unlikely to return from trials at South African side, Maritzburg United.

He also disclosed that Bosso were in talks with Bantu Rovers who are after the services of young striker, Mgcini Sibanda and that they had already identified two junior players they will be bringing in to fill their quota of five under-20 players.

"At the moment I cannot reveal the names of the players but will do so in due course but they are already part of the team," said Gumede.

In other transfer news, sources revealed former Bosso player Hloniphani Ndebele is likely to join the club again along with Hardlife Zvirekwi from Caps United and former Quelaton and Plumtree Chiefs player, Joseph Pongolani. Bantu Rovers' influential captain Nqobizitha Masuku is set to be swapped for Sibanda.

Last week, Highlanders coach, Kelvin Kaindu said they were still searching for a striker as the team has not been able to find a consistent gunman and that they were also looking for a right back, a position that has posed difficulties for the club in the first half of the season.

Simon Munawa was given the role but has been finding the going tough and has not made an impact in the right back position.

Highlanders' nemesis, Dynamos are also on the market looking for strikers but team manager, Richard Chihoro said they are yet to identify any save for Rodrick Mutuma, whom they have already signed.

There were fears Mutuma could be making the track back to South Africa after being invited for trials by Absa Premiership side, Moroka Swallows following his release by another SA side, Bloemfontein Celtic for trials.

"We are happy that he is back with us as we are looking for someone to score the goals that have been elusive. We want more strikers because our forwards have not been banging in the goals as we had anticipated hence if any worthy striker pops up, we will definitely sign them up," said Chihoro, adding that DeMbare have renewed contracts for Oscar Machapa, Augustine Mbara and Victor Kamhuka.

Caps United is reportedly seeking the services of Bantu Rovers midfielder, Tafadzwa Kutinyu and has reportedly initiated talks with the Bulawayo side.

The Green Machine's coach, Taurai Mangwiro refused to shed light on the move, saying they will be announcing the names of the players they would be recruiting in a few days time.

He said the young player trained with them at the beginning of the season as they had hoped he would be part of the juniors' quota but later realised he had turned 20, the cut off age.

Kutinyu, who turned out for Botswana side, Notwane last year, was part of the under-20 national team side that took part in the Cosafa Youth Championships in Lesotho last December.

"All I can say is that we had earmarked him to be part of the five junior players we have to register with the PSL but it turned out he is above the required age now. We have already signed Malawian player, George Nyirenda who will fortify our central defence but will also be looking at other players," said Mangwiro.

Efforts to get a comment from Kutinyu and Bantu Rovers general manager Wilbert Sibanda were fruitless.