Another Zim Leopards player in PSL

Sports Reporters
CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League outfit How Mine have snatched Zifa Bulawayo Province Division Two Soccer League side Zim Leopards’ leading goal scorer Tinashe Rukanda. Rukanda’s hunger for goal that have seen him score 15 goals in 15 games attracted the eye of the gold miner who are reportedly hoping for a long term relationship with the player.

Confirming the development How Mine chairman Mark Paul Andrews said they believed Rukanda was the player they needed and that the club would give him time to get used to his teammates.

“We needed a gunman and he fits the position and we believe that he will deliver goals once he settles down, we’re also hoping for a long term relationship with him,” said Andrews.

Zim Leopards club chairman Ngonidzashe Shumba confirmed Rukanda’s move vowing that they will continue producing players for both the local premiership and the international market.

“It’s part of our plans since we were established in 2007; our objective is to continue identifying talent. “We are proud that Tinashe joins other players who have joined the top flight from Zim Leopards,’’ said Shumba.

Harare City captain Fransisco Zekwambaire, Highlanders’ defender Benson Phiri, the Tsholotsho FC duo of Goodwill Saugweme and Qholani Ndlovu, are all products of Leopards.

“We still have exciting talent and we are confident the departure of Tinashe won’t affect our current performance where we have won eight matches and drawn seven of the 15 matches we have played so far.

“Bulawayo has talent and our immediate plan is to establish junior teams that will play in the Bulawayo junior league and also strive to have partnerships with international clubs,’’ said Shumba.

According to Andrews, How Mine had a mutual agreement with Rukanda’s previous club concerning his transfer fee although he could not disclose the finer details of the whole deal.

At How Mine Rukanda joins former Highlanders and Ajax Cape Town midfielder Milton Ncube and former Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu who joined How Mine in January.

Rukanda was How Mine’s top target as Chikurupati seeks to revive their fortunes in the second half of the season.