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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
SEVENTEEN-Year-old Highlanders Football Club attacking midfielder, Prince Ndlovu has been invited for a six-day trial stint that starts today at South Africa’s soccer giants Orlando Pirates.

The teenage sensation was expected to fly out of the country last night after Highlanders’ Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against ZPC Kariba.

Ndlovu, who last month missed out on a month-long trial stint at Croatian second tier club HNK Vukovar 1991 alongside Majesa Academy’s attacking midfielder Promise Sithole after being denied a visa, has been given an opportunity to break into Orlando Pirates.

Nozibelo Maphosa, the Highlanders communication and marketing officer confirmed Ndlovu’s trip to South Africa.

“Prince is supposed to leave today (yesterday) with an evening flight. He will be on trials from the 20th to the 26thh of March,” said Maphosa.

Ndlovu, who made his debut for Highlanders’ senior team in July last year following his promotion from the club’s developmental side Bosso 90, spent two weeks training at Orlando Pirates in January while waiting for the Croatian visa.

The Makokoba-bred footballer is one of the young players who managed to break into the senior team from Highlanders’ juniors.

Bosso spokesperson Nozibelo Maphosa

Ndlovu showed some flashes of brilliance on his debut when he came in from the bench and played for a few minutes in the 3-0 win against Manica Diamonds.

Highlanders coach Baltermar Brito took a bold step by introducing the 16-year-old midfielder in the 78th minute when they were leading 3-0. The youngster, then a learner at Mzilikazi High School got a standing ovation from the Bosso fans who were keen on seeing new talent.

Ndlovu didn’t disappoint as he had some brilliant moments and had he calmed his nerves, he could have scored on his debut as he twice came face to face with Manica Diamonds goalkeeper Jorum Muchambo.

Highlanders Coach Baltermar Britoo

Ndlovu sent Bosso fans into a frenzy when he controlled the ball, overstepped as he dribbled past Talent Chamboko before playing a one-two with Washington Navaya to come face to face with Muchambo only to shoot wide.

Brito was impressed with Ndlovu’s quality.

“We signed the boy because he has quality and it doesn’t matter the game, he can play. I’m happy that his teammates did well to support him and make his debut enjoyable,” Brito said after the match.

Comparisons have been made with the legendary Peter Ndlovu who also broke into the Highlanders senior team at the same age.— @ZililoR