Fungai Muderere
FOLLOWING the departure of midfield enforcer Nqobizitha Masuku who recently joined Botswana Premiership side Jwaneng Galaxy, Highlanders have appointed rock solid defender Mbongeni “Mbola” Ndlovu to assume the role of the club’s second vice captain.
Veteran former national team shot stopper, Ariel ‘Mangoye” Sibanda is the team’s captain and centre back Peter Mudhuwa is his first deputy.
Masuku’s move has thus seen the elevation of Ndlovu, a Mpopoma bred footie star who did duty for Zifa Southern Region Division One club Ajax Hotspurs alongside ex Warriors left back Devine Lunga who is in the books of South Africa’s Golden Arrows.
Ndlovu is the younger brother to former Bosso skipper Bekithemba “Super” Ndlovu has been roped in as an assistant coach by the newly promoted Castle Lager Premier Soccer Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfit Green Fuel.
The Ndlovu brothers belonged to different generations and never played together. But the former and the latter have the same attributes. They have big hearts for the game and the Bosso badge.
Bekithemba will be working as Lloyd Mutasa’s assistant in the upcoming 2023 season.
The ex-Warriors defender assumed the same position at Highlanders before he was fired along with the club’s then head coach Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu in May 2022.
Meanwhile, Green Fuel embarked on a massive squad overhaul, offloading a number of players who helped the team them to earn the sole ticket to the top flight league.
The club has reportedly made 17 new signings with the list of the new recruits comprising of seasoned players who once plied their trade in the PSL and outside the country.
Included in the list is former Hwange defender Eric Chipeta and MacClive Phiri as well as Honest Moyo who once played in South Africa.
Bukhosi “Zakhu” Sibanda recently shown the exit by Highlanders after the club decided against renewing his contract which expired in December is also on the list of the newly arrived, together with ex Ngezi Platinum Stars, Chicken Inn, Bulawayo City and Manica Diamonds holding midfielder Xolisani “Scara” Moyo.