Bantu Rovers to field under-19s

Tshintsha Guluva are reportedly said to be embarking on an academy similar to Harare’s Black Aces and using Methembe Ndlovu’s United States of America links. The team will play in a number of invitational competitions there.
Sources privy to the developments at Bantu Rovers said most junior players who were thinking of quitting the club reversed their decisions after hearing about overseas tours.
The competitions in the US and other parts of Europe that Bantu Rovers will embark on will be used to market the club as well as its players.
“The truth of the matter is that most players were on their way out and did not go for training in the first days. They were accusing the club of failing to honour its contractual obligations. However, after hearing that the club will be going for a two-week tournament in the US, they made a u-turn as they hope to attract scouts.
“Players over the ages of 19 will be loaned out with those below playing in the Zifa Southern Region Division One Soccer League as well as overseas tournaments,” said the source.
Ndlovu spent most of his playing career in the US where he furthered his education before coming back home to set up Bantu Rovers.
Some of the players that will be off-loaded or loaned to other clubs include national Under-20 skipper Edwin “Cheese” Nkomo, striker Moreblessing Nyokanhete, Nqobizitha Masuku and Pride Zireni.
Players who were loaned out last season Danny “Deco” Phiri and goalkeeper Liberty Chirava (Chicken Inn), Dumisani “Fazo” Ndlovu and Kevin “Skopo” Sibanda (Zimbabwe Saints) and Mkhululi Moyo who was at Monomotapa are among those that will be released or have their loans extended.
Phiri has been training with Chicken Inn together with Sibanda and Moyo while Ndlovu and Nyokanhete have been trying their luck at fading Bulawayo giants, Highlanders.
Enterprising left-footed midfielder Kudakwashe Mahachi, centreback Mduduzi Dube, goalkeeper Takudzwa Mutanga, Marvellous Nakamba, the Moyo twins, Elvis and Kelvin, will be joined by most of last season’s Under-18s.
Former Highlanders coach Melusi “Mabaleka” Sibanda was in charge of the Under-18s who played in the Zifa Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Junior League.
Contacted for comment, Bantu Rovers spokesman Wilbert Sibanda could neither confirm nor deny the developments.
“We have started training and we are yet to decide on the players that were on loan. Obviously they have been training with the clubs that they played for last season and we are open to negotiations.
“On the issue of Under-19s forming the base for our new season and the tours you are talking of, a-ah, who told you? Whoever told you should tell you everything. I do not have a comment,” said Sibanda.