admin
Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter—
ATTACKING midfielder Welcome Ndiweni is reportedly eyeing a move to Europe after terminating his contract with Highlanders last Thursday. A source said Ndiweni is in South Africa together with Bantu Rovers striker Michael Maipe-Ngwena where they are processing visas for trial stints in Cyprus. “Welcome and Maipe left the country on Saturday for South Africa and are expected back home before the end of the week. Once they get visas, they will then leave for Cyprus,” said the source.
The 26-year-old Ndiweni played his last game for his childhood team Highlanders in a 1-1 draw against Triangle United at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday last week.
He registered his frustrations after that match citing lack of game time in a letter to the club, demanding that he be released from his contract.
The ginger-haired former Masvingo United and FC Platinum player had six months left on his two-year deal.
Ndiweni got his clearance instantly after indicating that he was not interested in his outstanding signing on fees believed to about $3,000.
Highlanders’ chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede confirmed Ndiweni’s exit.
“Ndiweni is no longer with us. He bade us farewell and even indicated to us the areas he feels Highlanders need to improve on. He said we have to support the juniors and give them a chance to play for the senior level. As a player who went through the ranks of the club, he noted that the idea of having a house like our Luveve ‘California Hotel’ for out of town players is good and suggested we improve the facility. On those parting notes, we wish Ndiweni the best wherever he goes,” said Gumede.
Ndiweni’s departure opens a slot for Highlanders to reinforce their side during the midseason transfer window, which closes on July 31.
Apart from Ndiweni, Highlanders are preparing for life after young striker Thomas Chideu who made the grade at South African Premiership side Ajax Cape Town.
Chideu’s slot will be taken up by 18-year-old Obert “Adebayo” Tafira, a former Prince Edward High School student, who has been training with the club for about two months.
The Bulawayo giants are still chasing after Bulawayo Chiefs’ forward Ishmael Wadi, and should the deal sail through, he will take up the vacant slot left by Ndiweni.
Meanwhile, Chicken Inn striker Edmore Chirambadare will not be joining Bidvest Wits after cutting short his trial stint, opting to return home to fulfil his side’s fixture against Caps United.
Album Sports Management, a company owned by former national team striker Alois Bunjira, had organised Chirambadare’s trial stint.
“Gavin Hunt (Bidvest Wits coach) told us he was impressed by the player’s technique but was disappointed that he rushed back home when they wanted to travel with him for a pre-season tour in Cape Town. They needed another week and I’m sure Hunt was going to sign him because Chirambadare is a good finisher. Now that this opportunity is gone, we will try and organise something for him at the end of the local season,” said Bunjira.
Another player who might be moving to the South African Premiership is Hwange’s Evans Rusike.
The lanky attacking midfielder is at Maritzburg United and the KwaZulu-Natal side is said to be impressed by him.
“From what we heard through his agent, Evans has impressed and they told us to start preparing for life without the player. I think they should be getting in touch with us soon,” said a source from the colliery club.
Online Reporter