Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
WITH the mid-season transfer window now closed, the shape of Benjani Mwaruwari’s Highlanders rebuild is becoming clearer, with striker Brighton “Maninja” Ncube among the biggest names to make way as the Bosso coach exerts his authority on the squad.
Ncube, who still had a contract with the Bulawayo giants until December, has been released after a difficult spell at the club, bringing an end to his stay at Highlanders.
Sources close to the club indicated that the striker’s relationship with the technical team had deteriorated over time, with disagreements contributing to the decision to part ways.
“Maninja had become very vocal and his relationship with the technical team had deteriorated over time. He was no longer seen as someone who was fully aligned with what the coaches wanted to achieve. In the dressing room there was a feeling that he had become a bad apple, and that made it difficult for the team to move forward together,” said the source.
Ncube’s departure was one of several changes made by Mwaruwari during the transfer window as he sought to create a squad that fits his plans for the second half of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
The striker’s exit was accompanied by uncertainty over the futures of midfielder Dominic Jaricha and defender Brian Mlotshwa, whose places at the club came under review.
Bosso also moved to strengthen their squad, bringing in Emmanuel Saidi from Scottland and Liam Mabhidi from Dulibadzimu.
Mwaruwari further boosted his attacking options with the signing of his son, Junior Mwaruwari, a striker who will provide another option in the final third.
The window also saw Highlanders loan out Archford Faira to Herentals, a move aimed at giving the defender regular game time, while Shepherd Mhlanga was also released.
The changes underline Mwaruwari’s determination to build a team that reflects his football philosophy after spending the first half of the campaign assessing his squad.
For Ncube, a player who arrived with expectations of playing a key role in the Bosso attack, the journey has ended sooner than expected.
