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Erol Akbay

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS’ head coach Erol Akbay has finally conceded that expectations are high for the Bulawayo giants to land the league title this season, but denied that his buying spree was a sign of early panicking.

Bosso have so far brought in four players, two foreigners, with one more still being considered.

Having brought in Bantu Rovers midfielder Devine Khumalo, former Dynamos hitman Rodrick Mutuma, Equatorial Guinea forward Manuel Esono Obiang Buale and Democratic Republic of Congo’s Tambwe Kalunga, Highlanders this week revealed that another DRC national Yves Ebabali could be brought on board, raising fears that the club was panic buying in a bid to land its first league title since 2006.

“No, no (not panicking) but there is a lot of expectation to win this competition,” said Akbay without revealing exactly where it’s coming from.

Acting chairman Modern Ngwenya recently said there was no reason the club cannot win the league title this season, judging by what he called the quality of the players that have joined Bosso.

Akbay said by bringing in experienced players, the club was not closing the door on youngsters promoted to the first team, arguing that it will, in fact, work to the youngsters’ favour to work with senior players.

The Dutch mentor also dispelled fears that some player agents could be at work trying to resurrect their players’ careers, especially the likes of Ebabali, who first played in the local Premiership in 2009 with Caps United when the likes of Prince Dube were only 11-years-old.

“The players have come through the vice-chairman (Ngwenya), who recommended them to us and I must say that he does not influence us into taking the players on board; he lets us do our job,” said Akbay.

@skhumoyo2000