The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
HIGHLANDERS will make some additions to its squad during the mid-season transfer window with the strike force a priority in the mind of technical manager, Madinda Ndlovu.
While Ndlovu expressed satisfaction with the rest of the departments in his team, he is concerned that the strike force is lagging behind as they continue their rebuilding exercise.
He said he was happy with the progress they have made so far this season but the striking department was lagging behind.
“With the way things are going at the team I think we would have to bring other players during the mid-season transfer window but this is not something that is conclusive as it will be done after exhaustive deliberations and consultations with other stakeholders.
“We have to look particularly at the striking department as they have been lagging behind in terms of the project. Yes, we are building but there has to be a clear sign the building is coming up well but when I look at the strikers, I feel there is something missing,” said Ndlovu.
Khathazile, as Ndlovu was known during his playing days, said while they are able to create many chances, their conversion rate has been very poor and they have to ask themselves whether the department is filled with average players or not yet mature enough to be in that role or they are totally not good strikers.
He said the goalkeeping is another area they need to beef up and enlist a player that will bring in competition in the department.
Ndlovu said he will be submitting a comprehensive report to chief executive officer (Nhlanhla Dube), for deliberation by the executive after which final decisions will be made but added he strongly feels changes have to be made.
Ndlovu said they are well within their targets and are happy with how the season has progressed thus far for them.
He said they would not be falling into the trap of trying to please other people but would focus on their set targets which they announced at the beginning of the season.
“We (technical department and players) set our own targets and team broke them down to five games per set in which we agreed our minimum number to collect in each set would be nine points and the maximum is 11, out of a possible 15.
“Basing on that aim, we are well within that target,” said Ndlovu.
He said they are achieving their major target of playing attractive football as witnessed by the number of spectators flocking to their games.
“We did not promise to win the league this year but said in the three years, we said we will definitely win something, not the ZNA or Independence Cup. I’m talking of Highlanders becoming a powerhouse in the next three years and that is a process.
“While the boys do brilliant things during games as coaches we see a lot that needs to be worked on. For example, during the Harare City match, Makaruse came up with a brilliant goal and noone could have believed it is the same player who struggles at BF, it is work in progress,” added Ndlovu.
