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Former technical manager Cosmos Zulu stresses a point during yesterday’s trials at Hartsfield Grounds as new boss Bongani Mafu (with glasses), former fitness trainer Majaha Ndlovu and some trialists listen

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
MORE than 40 predominantly unknown players turned up for the Highlanders FC trials that were held at Hartsfield Grounds yesterday with coach Bongani Mafu describing the three hour session as satisfactory.

The trials marked the beginning of the 2015 pre-season preparations.

Among the trialists was on loan Arnold Ndiweni who was at Blackboots, former Railstars and Chicken Inn left back Julius Daudi. Daudi was based in Namibia and once worked with new Bosso assistant coach Mandla Mpofu at Chicken Inn.

A few were selected and will continue training with the senior team beginning this morning. The majority of the players were largely unknowns while others came from the junior ranks.

“Trials are continuing for the rest of the week although we have already come up with our shortlist from today’s session. So far so good, I must say,” said Mafu who was assisted through the trials by his assistant Mandla Mpofu, goalkeepers coach Peter Nkomo, manager Netsai Moyo, juniors coaches, Dumaza Dube and Melusi Sibanda.

Former technical advisor Cosmas Zulu was also part of the technical brains as well as skipper Innocent Mapuranga.

Former players Mkhokheli Dube, Obadiah Tarumbwa and Brighton Dube were part of the crowd that gathered early at the stadium.

It is believed Tarumbwa has agreed in principle to return to the club that catapulted him to football stardom.

He was seen talking to Highlanders coaches who invited him to come for training today.

Chairman Peter Dube, outgoing secretary-general Andrew Tapela and committee member Charles Moyo and a number of supporters also watched from the terraces.

While Mafu expressed some optimism, a number of the players that attended the trials seemed too tired while others appeared overwhelmed by the opportunity.

Mafu is on record as saying he wants physically imposing players who are between the ages of 18 and 28.

Besides Tarumbwa, Highlanders are likely to add Hwange right back Tonisani Sibelo who is expected to fill in the troublesome right back position.