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Highlanders players get into the team bus before departure for the training camp in Inyathi yesterday

Ricky Zililo Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO giants Highlanders FC left for a seven-day uninterrupted training camp at Heath Streak’s farm in Inyathi with 18 players yesterday.
Highlanders, who are hoping to restore lost glory this season, left with five new signings in the form of ex-Gunners and Shabanie Mine midfielder Valentine Ndaba, Khumbulani Banda and club returnees Joel “Josta” Ngodzo, Welcome “Waroowa” Ndiweni and goalkeeper Njabulo “Popo” Nyoni.

Cleopas Dube, who spent the second half of the season on loan at Bulawayo Chiefs, is part of the strikers in camp who include Gabriel Nyoni, Mgcini Sibanda and Ozias Zibande.

Ageing captain Innocent Mapuranga, Dumisani “Fazo” Ndlovu, Eric Mudzingwa, Mthulisi Maphosa, Simon Munawa and Hillary Madzivanyika are some of the players from last season’s squad.

Highlanders’ best player in 2013 Bruce Kangwa who missed the opening week of training also travelled to Inyathi yesterday alongside underrated midfielder Douglas Sibanda.

Notable absentees from the squad that went to camp were Bhekimpilo “Bhaka” Ncube, Heritein Masuku who was seen training at How Mine last week, defender Bruce Tshuma, Lawson Nkomo, Beavan Chikaka and Bobby Nkomo who was registered under the juniors’ quota last season.

Goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda who has been outside the country attending family business was at the club’s office yesterday when the team left and is expected to join camp today after signing his contract.

Sibanda spent the better part of last season under the shadow of Munyaradzi Diya and with the coming in of Nyoni, there was speculation that he was on his way out of the club to join Madinda Ndlovu’s Township Rollers in Botswana.

“I saw it on social networks that I was on my way to Botswana and that is a lie. I was in South Africa attending family business and the club gave me permission to travel. I will be signing my contract with Highlanders tomorrow and soon after that I will join the guys in camp,” said Sibanda.

He said he is ready for competition following the return of Nyoni.
Bosso who last won the championship in 2006 will have outgoing assistant coach Bekithemba “Super” Ndlovu hand over the reins to Kelvin Kaindu next week, new members of the technical team Mark Mathe and Peter “Oxo” Nkomo will monitor the week-long training camp.

Majaha Ndlovu will oversee the physical training and he is hopeful that by the time the players return from Inyathi, they will be in good shape.

“Ever since returning from the off-season we have gradually been doing some physical training preparing the guys for this intensive pre-season camp.

“As a physical instructor it is my duty to see to it that these boys are in good shape and we hope to make the most out of this uninterrupted camp.

“Besides the physical exercises, I think the players will also be able to bond during this week,” said Ndlovu.
This is not the first time Bosso have used Streak’s farm for their pre-season camp.

Highlanders’ treasurer Jerry Sibanda who has been involved in player contracts negotiations said the junior players that have been identified for first team were excused and will start training when Kaindu arrives from the UK next week.

After signing Ariel today, Bosso will be left with seven slots to register players above 20 years as Mgcini will be registered in the juniors’ quota.

They are hoping to sign Peter “Rio” Moyo, Eric Chipeta, Milton Ncube and Charles Sibanda who are with the national team in South Africa.