Lovemore Dube, Sports coordinator
HIGHLANDERS’ activity in the next fortnight in the transfer market will be key to their overall performance at the end of the season.
They open their account in the Castle Lager Premiership with a blockbuster match at home to Dynamos which could attract a sold-out crowd.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting the start of the season and with the last clash between the two having lasted 37 minutes last season, then the hatchet is expected to be buried and football as well as the family spirit engulfing the air.
Highlanders who lost outstanding Mbongeni Ndlovu and Brighton Manhire to FC Platinum, two players who were regulars in the first team are hard pressed to deliver. Every season start gets the team’s followers pregnant with expectation and hope that the 18-year-old wait for the championship could be ended.
IN: Brian Mlotshwa
Having allowed the duo to leave as free agents, Highlanders are yet to make a big name signing. It is common that when a team loses its best players they replace with players of equal measure to strike a balance.
Stanley Ngala, Washington Navaya, Ray Lunga and Rahman Kutsanzira were some of the players to leave. The quartet did not add much value to the club and were not worthwhile options as Highlanders sought to rescue their Premiership campaign in the final third of the championship.
OUT: Mbongeni Ndlovu
Highlanders had led the race for the better part of the first half of the race, but a string of losses beginning with the away match to FC Platinum, resulted in them finishing fifth. Highlanders, whose supporters demand results ought to be patient with the technical team that has just come in. They are hard pressed to eventually come up with a side that will fight for honours and that takes time.
It is even worse for a Highlanders team so deficient in talent that the biggest weapon over the years has been the resilient supporters who have filled stadia all around the country. It is a religion. Bosso fans believe in their team but that is not enough as good results market the next matches.
Expectations are high that the club will land some big names to assist those that are there and recent arrivals.
Bosso have somewhat been conservative in the transfer market bringing a midfielder, Marvin Sibanda whose pedigree will be tested, Reason Sibanda, Brian Ndlovu, Brian Mlotshwa and big striker Brighton Ncube who was declared surplus to requirements at Chicken Inn.
