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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter

AT least three players are expected to be released by Highlanders as they attempt to open up slots to accommodate their intended targets with an aim to bolster the squad for the 2023 season.

Bosso announced on Monday that they will not be renewing the contract of former Young Warriors attacking midfielder Bukhosi Sibanda when it expires at the end of the month.

Toto Banda

Impeccable sources revealed that plans are afoot to ship out winger Toto Banda, right back Crispen Ncube and midfielder Muziwethu Dhlamini who had his season affected by an injury.

The trio of Banda, Ncube and Dhlamini was reportedly called to the club’s offices on Monday together with Sibanda, hours before the club went on to announce its decision against renewing the ex-Bantu Rovers captain’s contract. Bosso are said to be trying to find a way of jettisoning the three players who all have running contracts.

“Zakhu (Sibanda), Toto, Goso (Ncube) and Muzi (Dhlamini) were all asked to report at the club offices on Monday. Zakhu has since been informed that he is leaving and now the challenge is that Toto, Goso and Muzi still have running contracts so the club wants to find a way of letting them go either on loan to other teams or permanently.

“The issue is that there need to be openings because there are three boys from Harare; a left back Luckmore Mutumbi, Mark Mushore and Kelvin Dube who are staying at California (Highlanders’ Luveve camp house) who should be joining the first team. Already, Bosso90 captain Gillian Nyathi, who plays as central midfielder and is also comfortable in defence, has been promoted to the first team,” said the source.

Mutumbi, who arrived at Bosso last month, trained with the first team before they went on break. Bosso resumes training next week on Tuesday to prepare for an invitational tournament they hope to be confirmed soon. Mutumbi will compete against Bosso90 product Archford Faira who played the last matches of the Premiership season and acquitted himself well, Pritchard Mphelele and Godfrey Makaruse.

Bosso players, Nqobizitha Masuku (second from right) & Mbongeni Ndlovu pose in new kit (pictures by Washington Sibanda)

Mbongeni Ndlovu who featured for the better part of the season at central defence after Andrew Tandi picked up an injury is also a left back.

Mushore and Dube are viewed as possible replacements for Sibanda as well as Dhlamini who was unfortunate to pick up an injury in July, only to recover towards the end of the season.

It is not clear whether 17-year-old left back Ackim Nkomo, right back Lewis Muzondo (19) and forward Nhlanhla Msaliwa (17), who were outstanding at Bosso 90 will be considered for the first team.

Bosso spokesperson Nozibelo Maphosa

Asked how many players will be shipped out and brought in, Highlanders communications and marketing officer, Nozibelo Maphosa, stated: “There hasn’t been any developments so far. As we announced yesterday on our social media platforms, Bukhosi is the only player that I can confirm who won’t be renewing his contract with the club next year. And also, Gillian is the only junior player who has been promoted into the first team. Should there be any developments, we will advise you.”

Highlanders coach Baltemar Brito is on record saying he wants patient players who are comfortable with the ball, positionally disciplined and are able to follow instructions. -@ZililoR