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Munyaradzi Diya

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
FORMER Soccer Star of the Year finalist Munyaradzi Diya is planning a sensational return to Highlanders exactly a year after his shock departure from the Bulawayo giants. The goalkeeper, who has a running contract with ailing How Mine, said he is even prepared to buy himself out of the contract in his bid to return to Bosso.

“I enjoyed my stay at Highlanders and I had told myself that I’ll not leave, but certain events forced me to take my gloves elsewhere,” said the agile shot stopper, who moved his family from the capital to Bulawayo and declared that the City of Kings was now his home in 2013.

Diya’s close confidantes also told Chronicle Sport that he was left with no option but to leave Bosso after the club failed to pay him his signing on fees for the two seasons that he was with the Bulawayo giants, and upon enquiring about his dues, the club further reduced his salary.

“He was told clearly to take the offer or leave,” said the confidante. If the move is successful, Diya, who was also the 2013 Mbada Diamonds Cup Player and Goalkeeper of the Tournament, will compete for recognition with first choice Ariel Sibanda, Njabulo Nyoni and young Prosper Matutu. Sibanda, whose performance had taken a nose dive, has gone back to his old self since the coming in of Cosmos “Tsano” Zulu, who is doubling up as the technical director and goalkeepers’ trainer.

“I’ve already started talking to the Highlanders’ leadership about my wish to return. Yes I’m still contracted to How Mine, but I’m prepared to even buy my contract out just to reunite with those ever passionate Soweto fans,” said Diya, who has largely played second fiddle to Bernard Donovan at How Mine.