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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS midfielders Mthulisi Maphosa and Joel Ngodzo as well as defender Dumisani Fazo Ndlovu are among the players released by the Bulawayo giants for reasons ranging from indiscipline to below par performances.
Some of the players are said to be out of contract too.
The other players are goalkeeper Njabulo Nyoni, striker Njabulo Ncube who was a flop on his return in the second half of last year, midfielders Hillary Madzivanyika and Tapiwa Dephistara.
Dephistara, formerly with Chiredzi United, received a media frenzy reception when he was unveiled as a second half buy last season. He failed to live up to expectations while Madzivanyika did not do enough too in the second half of the season to warrant another contract.
Njabulo Ncube had a nightmarish return to the Bulawayo giants in the second half where he failed to score even a single goal with his namesake Nyoni having a daunting task in trying to dislodge former Goalkeepers of the Year, Ariel Sibanda and Munyaradzi Diya.
Former Shabanie Mine player Valentine Ndaba, survived at the insistence of other players who told the new regime led by Bongani Mafu that the left footed player probably struggled because he was being played off position by Kelvin Kaindu and Mark Mathe.
According to the Bosso chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede, three factors were key in choosing who went.
“There was an issue of discipline, contracts running out and no need to renew while some of the players were not fitting into the coaching department’s grand plans,” said Gumede.
Maphosa, though, is still set to appear before the club’s disciplinary committee for bringing the name of Highlanders into disrepute after his two well reported cases of off the field violence last season.
In the first incident he sjamboked security guards at a popular drinking spot in Matshobana suburb while in the second, he attacked his ex-lover and her alleged boyfriend. The second assault case landed him in trouble with the law and was sentenced to do 75 hours community service.
He had previously stabbed a member of the Zimbabwe National Army.
“Maphosa has written a letter of apology asking for forgiveness. It is the feeling of the club that he ought to be charged with bringing the club into disrepute and we have since written to him asking him why he felt he should not be charged by the club. It’s up to the disciplinary committee,” said Gumede.
Maphosa’s mitigatory factor could be his commitment to the game and club.
Sources said How Mine coach Luke Masomere is ready to pounce on the talented midfielder in the event that he leaves Bosso.
Maphosa has been asked not to attend the club’s pre-season training until the case has been finalised.
Highlanders started their 2015 Castle Lager Premiership preparations on Monday under the watchful eyes of Mafu and his assistant Mandla Mpofu.
On Tuesday, former players Zephaniah Ngodzo and Obadiah Tarumbwa were part of the contingent as well as Canaan Nkomo and goalkeeper Liberty Chirava who were with Chicken Inn last season.
Hwange’s right back Tonisani Sibelo is expected to join training today as well as bustling Dynamos striker Patrick Khumbula.
Online Reporter