FOLLOWING up on their Mbongeni Ndlovu signing, FC Platinum are now on the prowl for Highlanders defender Andrew Mbeba and defensive midfielder Brighton Manhire as the Zvishavane-based side look to take advantage of Bosso's financial woes.
A reliable source yesterday told NewsDay Sport that FC Platinum are interested in the services of the duo.
Highlanders vice-captain Peter Muduhwa is also reportedly said to be eyeing the exit door.
“Ndlovu’s handlers might want to deny that the player still belongs to Highlanders, but the truth is that FC Platinum has engaged him and will be an FC Platinum player next year. (Andrew) Mbeba and Barca (Manhire) will likely follow suit as FC Platinum is also interested in him. Highlanders have not met some of its obligations in signing-on fees and I gather (Peter) Muduhwa also wants to move,” the source said.
Mbeba and Manhire’s contracts with the Bulawayo giants expire on December 31, but the source said Highlanders are not interested in the latter, who penned a one-year deal at the beginning of the season.
Defender Andrew Tandi and striker Ray Lunga’s contracts are also expiring on December 31.
Club spokesperson Nozibelo Maphosa said they are talking to the players, while denying that Ndlovu has crossed the floor to FC Platinum.
“We are talking to the players (whose) contracts (are) ending. We are engaging them so that they can extend. Mbongeni is still a Highlanders player,” Maphosa said.
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However, a member of the executive committee confirmed Ndlovu approached him to bid farewell, albeit unofficially.
Incoming coach Kelvin Kaindu will have a headache assembling a squad and is likely to promote players from the development side as acquiring players from outside will be a problem for the Bulawayo giants.
Sponsors Sakunda have, meanwhile, not committed to continue funding the club. Sakunda are also Dynamos’ sponsors.
Nonetheless, Highlanders are likely to welcome back Bruce Kangwa whose contract with Tanzanian top side Azam expired and is back in the country.
“I trained with the club on returning and the coach (Baltemar Brito) was interested in me, but the club dilly-dallied. If the same happens I will join any other club that will present good offers. But I would have loved to finish my career at the club that made me what I am,” Kangwa said.
Kangwa is said to be on the radar of Chicken Inn and Dynamos.
