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Joel Ngodzo

Lovemore Dube Senior Sports Editor
TALENTED football midfielder Joel Ngodzo has trained with Highlanders FC .

This was confirmed by club coach Bongani Mafu yesterday afternoon. He said one of the most creative midfielders in the country, who is yet to hit his 2010 form, was part of the group that trained on Friday and yesterday.

“He’s been training with the club. Obviously starting three weeks after the other guys came from off-season will present a fitness challenge.

“We’re committed to designing a programme that he will follow and hopefully he can catch up with the rest of the team,” said Mafu.

The 25-year-old who started his career at Cement Primary School in 1997 under Highlanders development coach Dumaza Dube had a magnificent 2010 season. His good showing attracted a big money move to FC Platinum where his signing on fee was enough to enable him to buy a modest house in a Bulawayo low density suburb and a car but he failed to live up to his early years’ promise in the Premiership.

After three years in Zvishavane, Ngodzo was released to join Highlanders early last year and appeared to have weight problems that seemed to slow him down on the pitch.

“He’ll be given an opportunity like all the other players we have. So far our preparations are going smoothly and we had two teams playing at Fairbridge at the weekend and we’re making steady progress,” said Mafu.

Mafu would not disclose the names of his off-season new boys for fear they could be hounded away as negotiations were still going on.

In yesterday’s interview, Mafu disclosed that Mthulisi Maphosa had started training with the club. He was part of the team yesterday and he was also expected to put in a lot of work to catch up with the rest of the boys in terms of fitness levels.

On a good day, the versatile Maphosa is a match winner and could be among the senior guys that Mafu can build his team around.

Maphosa could not join his teammates as he had some pending disciplinary issues with the club which have since been resolved.

“Maphosa trained with the team today,” was all Mafu could say.

A workaholic with at times positive forward play, Maphosa could revive his career under Mafu like Ngodzo if he works hard.

Highlanders are seeking to win their first championship in nine years and coach Mafu says his team will be out to compete with every side in the Premiership.

He acknowledges that fans want a team that can beat Dynamos but believes that should not be the yardstick, but winning enough games to claim honours.

Highlanders have attracted both junior and senior players to their trials and Ryan Mabhena, Lindelani Ncube, Xolani Moyo, Liberty Chirava, Douglas Sibanda and Tendai Ngulube are some of the players who could find themselves donning the black and white stripe.