Mapuranga stripped of Bosso captaincy, Ariel takes armband

HIGHLANDERS FC have reigned in on indiscipline in their camp with striker Njabulo "Tshiki" Ncube hit with a two weeks' suspension while the duo of Charles Sibanda and Joel Ngodzo were served with written warnings.

They were served with their letters on Wednesday during their training session as they prepared for Sunday's Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final against How Mine.

The trio's behaviour before last weekend's embarrassing 1-4 defeat to Dynamos in the TM Pick n Pay Challenge match is said to have been untoward. They are alleged to have been intoxicated in Harare which led to them disturbing other guests.

Highlanders' chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede had no kind words for the trio and said the decision that they have taken is meant to protect the club's brand as well as that of their sponsors. The veteran administrator said indiscipline has been brewing in their camp and they have to nip it in the bud before the cancerous behaviour of the players spread further.

"Highlanders FC will not tolerate any persons who don't appreciate the importance the club has for professionalism. Actually we will not allow anyone within the institution to get out of hand and misuse the valuable relationship that we have with our sponsor knowing that they will get a salary at the end of the month. It is our duty as the club to uphold some values that made the sponsor to come to us. Nobody and I mean nobody is bigger than the club including Yours Truly (Gumede).

"Ncube will not be training with the squad for the stated period as he is not allowed anywhere near the squad because he is a bad influence. Perhaps this will make him realise that he is not bigger than the club. The other two have final warnings and they must know that no one is indispensible," Gumede said.

Ncube who has deserted Highlanders a countless times, rejoined from FC Platinum during the mid-season transfer window.

Since his return he is yet to score for the club but has clearly been the technical team's favourite. He has made six Premiership appearances and two cup games since returning to Bosso.

The stocky striker whose style of play is having his back to the goal has been predictable and is hardly a threat to the opposition.

Gumede said they have been forced to be harsh on the players.

"There have been so many misdemeanors in the past which are mushrooming to bigger problems. I believe as a club we would have failed if we let players think they are indispensable. It is in their favour that we act the way we have done," he said.

Meanwhile, Innocent Mapuranga has been stripped off his captaincy with goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda who has had an inspirational season for the Bulawayo giants taking over.

Gumede said there was nothing amiss about the change of leadership and thanked Mapuranga for his service to the club.

"It is true that the captain has changed and worldwide over captaincy changes and that is part of football. One cannot be captain for life because kusinwa kudedelwana. Mapuranga played his part and we have thanked him in the letter that we wrote him and wish the new skipper all the best," said Gumede.