Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
THE battle for the signature of Highlanders midfielder Mongameli Tshuma has exploded into a full-blown transfer war after giants Caps United and ambitious Castle Lager Premier Soccer League newcomers FC Hunters have officially lodged their interest in the highly-rated midfielder.
But if either club hopes to lure the 24-year-old playmaker away from Bosso , they will have to dig deep into their pockets after Bosso slapped a staggering US$200 000 valuation on one of the country’s brightest football talents.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday, Highlanders chief executive officer Denzel Mnkandla confirmed that the Bulawayo giants had received two formal offers for Tshuma’s services.
“Highlanders have received two offers, one from CAPS United and one from FC Hunters on Mongameli Tshuma,” said Mnkandla.
“Highlanders have already set the valuation of Mongameli (US$200 000), which has already been published in the media. Anyway, if there is a club that wants to meet that valuation, we can talk.”
The statement effectively throws down the gauntlet to Tshuma’s suitors, with Bosso making it abundantly clear that they have no intention of allowing their midfield maestro to leave for cheap.
Tshuma, who still has two years remaining on his contract with Highlanders, has established himself as one of the most creative and exciting attacking midfielders in Zimbabwe. Blessed with exceptional vision, close control and an eye for a killer pass, the former Hwange and Zebra Revolution player has become a central figure in Bosso’s engine room.
His stock has risen dramatically following a string of commanding performances for both Highlanders and the Warriors, attracting widespread admiration from clubs eager to secure his signature.
Speculation surrounding the midfielder’s future reached fever pitch last week after he was spotted in
Harare during CAPS United’s encounter against Triangle United, where sources say he spent several days before returning to Bulawayo.
The Green Machine, desperate to restore their status among Zimbabwe’s football elite, are understood to be viewing Tshuma as a key component in their rebuilding project.
Meanwhile, FC Hunters, preparing for life in the top flight, appear equally determined to make a major statement in the transfer market by landing one of the country’s most sought-after players.
Defending champions Scottland have also reportedly been monitoring developments, adding another layer of intrigue to what is fast becoming the biggest transfer saga of the domestic football season.
For now, however, Bosso remain firmly in control of the situation. And with a US$200 000 price tag hanging over Tshuma’s head, the question is no longer whether clubs want Tshuma, it is whether they can afford him.
