Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Innocent Kurira , [email protected]
Highlanders have secured a significant coup with the acquisition of Malvern Hativagoni on a season-long loan from Bulawayo Chiefs.
The 23-year-old defender’s arrival is expected to bolster the team’s backline, which was weakened by the departure of seasoned stalwart Peter Muduhwa to Scottland FC.
Hativagoni, who impressed during a loan spell at Ngezi Platinum Stars last season, is poised to play a crucial role in Highlanders’ bid to challenge for silverware in the 2025 campaign.
A reliable source confirmed the deal. “The deal is done. Hativagoni will be playing for Highlanders this season on a loan deal. It’s a move that has the club excited because the team has brought in a quality player,” said the source.
Highlanders’ coach, Kelvin Kaindu, is confident that he can rebuild the team despite the loss of key players like Muduhwa, Godfrey Makaruse, Lynoth Chikuhwa and Marvellous Chigumira to Premiership newcomers Scottland. Kaindu, who led the club on an unbeaten 23-match run in 2012, is determined to end Highlanders’ 18-year championship drought.
The acquisition of Hativagoni is a significant boost for the club, which has struggled to recruit players due to the rise of player agents and managers, according to club chairman, Kenneth Mhlophe.
The 2025 season is set to kick off with the Castle Challenge Cup, featuring Dynamos, the Chibuku Super Cup winners and Simba Bhora, the league champions, on February 22, followed by the start of the season tentatively on March 1. —@innocentskizoe
derick.khumalo