Zimpapers Logo

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS have no plans to retire captain Felix Chindungwe despite the dreadlocked veteran not seeing regular action in the second half of the season.

The club said the 2012 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Soccer Star of the Year finalist might feature for the Bulawayo giants in some of the remaining matches.

Chindungwe has not seen much action, especially in the second half of the season, but still remains the club captain, playing the same role as the recently retired legendary Orlando Pirates skipper Lucky Lekgwathi.

“He has been sitting it out on the bench purely for tactical reasons because the guys in the starting line-up have been better than him and he understands that too,” said Highlanders’ coach Erol Akbay.

Chindungwe, who turns 34 on September 9, has seen his position in central defence being taken over by 23-year-old Peter Muduhwa, who now partners Tendai Ndlovu (27) in the heart of the Bosso defence.

“He can still play in some of our matches; it’s not over for him,” said Akbay.

With Chindungwe benched, another veteran Erick Mudzingwa has been given the captain’s armband.

Meanwhile, Chindungwe revealed that he was ready to replace goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda when he (Sibanda) picked up a knock after having come on as a 29th minute substitute for the injured Peter Matutu, who had been given the nod ahead of Sibanda when Bosso took on How Mine at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.

Sibanda received a knock after Highlanders had used all their three substitutes and had he been unable to continue, an infield player was to have done duty between the sticks.

Chindungwe started his football career as a goalkeeper before switching into an infield player.

“I was ready to come in when Ariel was injured,” said Chindungwe.

Highlanders travel to the border town of Beitbridge for a league encounter against relegation candidates Border Strikers on Sunday.

Fixtures:

Saturday: Bulawayo City v Mutare City (Barbourfields), ZPC Kariba v FC Platinum (Nyamhunga), How Mine v Tsholotsho (Luveve), Harare City v Ngezi Platinum (Rufaro)

Sunday: Border Strikers v Highlanders (Dhulivhadzimo), Dynamos v Chapungu (Rufaro), Triangle v Caps United (Gibbo)

Wednesday: Chicken Inn v Hwange (Luveve Stadium). – @skhumoyo2000