Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS Football Club are expected to give an insight into their 2023 season squad this morning when they hold their first interaction with the media at the club’s offices.
Stand-in coach Madinda Ndlovu together with the rest of the captains Ariel Sibanda, Peter Muduhwa and Mbongeni Ndlovu are expected to face the media ahead of Sunday’s season opener against ZPC Kariba at Barbourfields Stadium.
Asked yesterday on when the squad announcement will be made, Bosso communications and marketing officer Nozibelo Maphosa said: “We have our press conference tomorrow (today) I am certain questions surrounding the squad will be attended to by the coaches.”
Former Chicken Inn and Bulawayo Chiefs 29-year-old defensive midfielder Brighton Manhire, ex-TelOne right back Marvelous Chigumira (24) and Elshamar Farasi, formerly with Bulawayo City have been training with Highlanders hoping to make the grade.
Bosso have so far signed striker Calvin Chigonero on loan from Talen Vision, recalled goalkeeper Reward Muza who was with Bulawayo City, promoted Gillian Nyathi from Bosso90 and signed Bulawayo City captain Melikhaya Ncube.
Besides the announcement of the squad, Bosso have a number of issues to address including their progress on the restructuring of their technical team.
Sources within Highlanders say Joel Luphahla will either be registered as a kit manager or welfare manager as he is not qualified to sit on the technical bench as an assistant coach.
Vezigama Dlodlo is Highlanders’ welfare manager, but indications are that he is likely to be reassigned to head the juniors.
Dlodlo has however, been involved in the pre-season with the first team. On Saturday he was spotted with Highlanders coaches at Mandava Stadium during the Castle Challenge Cup match between FC Platinum and Bulawayo Chiefs.
Other issues Bosso will have to speak on include an update on the delayed audited financial report for the year ending December 31, 2022 as well as the real reason surrounding starting the season without a new kit. On Monday, Tshilamoya announced that there had been a delay with their kit for the 2023 season and the first team will use uniforms for the 2021/22 period for the opening four matches with new regalia expected by mid April.
Meanwhile, the Highlanders Clubhouse which has been closed for renovations since the new year will open doors to patrons today.
Bosso got into a partnership with Phathisani Nkomo, a businessman with interests in leisure facilities to spruce up the Highlanders Clubhouse whose lease was secured in 1987 by the late Ndumiso Gumede executive and had been in a dilapidated state. -@innocentskizoe
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