Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS interim coach Try Ncube, faced the media yesterday but offered no clarity on the club’s transfer dealings or the rumoured arrival of Dutchman Pieter de Jongh as head coach.
But later in the day, the club confirmed the signing of Benjamin Olawarithim from Gwanda on loan, former Dynamos and Greenfuel Learnmore Muyambo and Martin Nhubu, who has previously played for MWOS and Ngezi Platinum.
The trio arrived late for training and joined the rest of the team. They are believed to have spent the day trying to register so that the club beats the transfer deadline.
With the mid-season transfer window closing yesterday, Ncube refused to be drawn into off field matters ahead of Bosso’s key clash with Ngezi Platinum on Sunday at Barbourfields Stadium.
De Jongh is taking over as head coach and on Tuesday, he introduced himself to the team at White City Stadium.
Ncube deflected questions about signings and coaching changes, saying, “I refer all related questions to the club’s administration.”
Outgoing communications officer Nozibelo Maphosa, who also attended the press conference, explained that the acting CEO was scheduled to speak but had to attend to an emergency. He had been expected to address administrative matters.
Turning focus to the match against Ngezi, Ncube gave a squad update. Hubert Ncube, Mvelo Khoza, and Darlington Mukuli will face late fitness tests, while captain Andrew Mbeba remains out.
Commenting on the departure of midfielder Mafious Chihweta to Scottland, Ncube said the club would find a proper replacement.
“For now, I do not want to talk about Chiweta because he plays for another club, but I am confident that we are going to get a replacement for him and get positive results without him.”
He noted that much of their training this week focused on improving their finishing.
“We’ve been working on attacking combinations where we’ve been found wanting. We’re creating chances, but our conversion rate is poor,” he said. “We are hopeful that this weekend things will go right. Mbeba is still injured, as are Mukuli, Khoza and Hubert Ncube, who will need to pass late fitness tests. Mbeba is totally out.”
Ncube was resolute in his outlook for Sunday’s match.
“It is an even playing ground. We are playing at home and we are Highlanders. We know what we have to do. We are going to do what we have to, which is play for the badge and hopefully get a favourable result.
“We urge our fans to come in their numbers. It’s our team as much as it is theirs. They never leave us behind, that is our fans, and they give us that 12th man advantage on the pitch. So, we need them to come in their numbers and rally behind the boys.”
Highlanders sit just four points above the relegation zone. Ngezi Platinum, in contrast, are fifth on the table with 38 points.
