Zimpapers Logo

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
FRUSTRATED Highlanders midfielder Welcome Ndiweni wants out of Bosso because of lack of game time.

The ginger-haired former Masvingo United and FC Platinum midfielder, who has six months left of a two-year deal, on Wednesday wrote to Highlanders chief executive Ndumiso Gumede asking to be released.

Ndiweni, 26, cited lack of game time as the major reason for demanding a termination of his contract.

He had a decent game after coming on as a second half substitute in the 1-1 draw against Triangle United at Barbourfields Stadium last Sunday.

The midfielder’s letter came as a surprise to both the Bosso technical team and club hierarchy.

He had been training at right back for some time after being relegated to the bench or terraces, with coach Bongani Mafu preferring Edmore “Digo” Muzanenhamo.

Ndiweni told the club to “write-off” his outstanding signing-on fees and issue him with a clearance letter.

Bosso reportedly owe Ndiweni about $3,000 in outstanding signing-on fees.

Sources privy to the developments said despite Mafu saying he valued Ndiweni’s services, the club is considering assenting to the want-away player’s request.

“He gave the letter to welfare manager Netsai Moyo and briefed him about his decision to quit Highlanders. Welcome feels that at his age he has to be playing regularly and if he can’t play then he has to go and look for fresh challenges.

“He indicated to the club that he’s willing to use the outstanding signing on fees to buy himself out of the remaining six months than continue sitting on the bench. He has made up his mind and now wants out,” said the source.

Gumede acknowledged receipt of Ndiweni’s letter.

“One of the players wrote a letter asking for us to terminate his contract but it wasn’t signed.

“We then asked the manager to find out the author of the letter and talk to that particular person.

“Once that’s done, we’ll make an official comment,” said Gumede.

Mafu said although Ndiweni wants out of Bosso, he would not be allowed to leave as he was in his plans.

“Welcome is a very talented player whose talent I value. He’s natural talent that can’t be bought. I won’t be part of a system that sees him off because what I want is for him to go and work hard.

“I like his attitude because by writing that letter, he has shown that he is a person who wants to be in the team. When Digo (Muzanenhamo) sat on the bench, he never wrote a letter but worked hard and that’s what I want Welcome to do,” Mafu said.

Should the club’s leadership let Ndiweni go, Highlanders will have three openings, having already let striker Simba Sithole leave after his contract expired last month.

The Bulawayo giants are negotiating with South African Premiership side Ajax Cape Town, who are interested in the services of teenage striker Thomas Chideu.

Highlanders are also in possession of Ajax Cape Town’s trial invitation for centre back Teenage Hadebe.