The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS have confirmed that they at the concluding end of talks for striker Prince Dube’s imminent move to a foreign club.
Kenneth Mhlophe, the Highlanders chairman on Friday said the deal that is being pursued is beneficial to the club and the player.
“I confirm that our club is at the tail end of conversations for the possible transfer of Prince Mpumelelo Dube to a club outside our borders. The deal will benefit both the club and the player in the immediate and in the long run. It was always the desire of both parties to secure a route into European leagues for the young striker hence the careful consideration given to the arrangement currently in process,’’ Mhlophe said.
He went on to state that the talks are suitable to the Bosso aims of selling players to competitive leagues outside the country.
“The negotiations are in line with one of the objectives of the club’s business side – moving players to competitive leagues. Initially, the club and Prince had envisaged the player’s direct move to European leagues, but due to the outbreak of Coronavirus, a pandemic that brought the world to a standstill, both parties had to consider other avenues,’’ he said.
According to the Highlanders executive boss, Dube has been invited for trials in Europe and Bosso, mindful of fact that assessments do not guarantee that the player will be bought, have since decided to consider other bids for the player.
“Dube has pending trial invitations in Europe, which have however, been elongated because of global movement restrictions due to Coronavirus. Cognisant of the fact that these trials’ immediate success is not guaranteed, the club and the player have agreed to listen to other offers.”
Mhlophe indicated that the club leadership has always been in the know about interest on the player and after talks on Friday, the offer was agreed upon.
“To set the record straight, the club leadership has been privy to the development hence today’s engagement, after the player, his family and his manager Gibson Mahachi had finally acceded to the offer thus clearing the impediment and freeing the club’s hand to engage the pursuing club fully. We, at all times attempt to prosecute our business with caution and confidentiality,’’ Mhlophe said.
He went on to say that a confirmation of the transfer, should it be successful, will be announced shortly.
Highlanders are desperate to cash in on the player’s transfer, seeing that his contract with the club expires at the end of this year, which means he could walk away for free if he is not sold anytime soon.
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