adminRicky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
LEADERSHIP squabbles at Chiredzi FC are impeding Highlanders FC’s most publicised mid-season signing Tapiwa Dephistara from making his debut for the Bulawayo giants.The attacking former Gunners midfielder is one of the seven players that Bosso acquired to strengthen their side as they fight for the championship. Veteran striker Njabulo Ncube, Kudzanai Machazane, Gift Saunyama, Munyaradzi King Nadolo, Pasca Manhanga and Webster Chingozha are the players that were snapped up by Bosso.
Dephistara was the second player to be signed by Bosso a fortnight ago and was expected to make his debut during the goalless draw against Bantu Rovers but his transfer papers were turned away by the PSL with Highlanders being advised to seek clearance from Chiredzi FC chairman Charles Muchatukwa.
Fired secretary George Dhliwayo had cleared Dephistara.
In an interview yesterday, the PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele said the only hold up to Dephistara’s deal was the clearance letter from his club.
“We held a meeting sometime with Chiredzi FC and they told us that Muchatukwa as the chairman is responsible for all the affairs of the club. They notified the league that George Dhliwayo had been relieved of his duties as the secretary. When Highlanders brought in papers for Tapiwa Dephistara the clearance letter that was attached was that written by Dhliwayo and because we have received communication from Chiredzi FC that Dhliwayo has ceased to be their secretary, we notified Highlanders that they should get a clearance written by the chairman (Muchatukwa). All other players that moved away from Chiredzi FC during the window had clearance letters from Muchatukwa. Even the ones that were on loan like Abel Gwatidzo were cleared by Muchatukwa.
“Once Highlanders submits a clearance signed by Muchatukwa, then Dephistara’s licence to play for them will be processed and handed to the club. If they fail to get the clearance, then there is nothing that the league can do,” said Ndebele.
Bosso could be forced to seek recourse with the Players’ Status Committee.
Some of the players that have moved away from Chiredzi include Rowan Nenzou who re-joined Shabanie Mine and Abel Gwatidzo who was recalled from loan by Harare giants Dynamos.
Dephistara penned a two-year deal with Bosso, reuniting with former teammate at Gunners Valentine Ndaba who has been with Highlanders since the start of the season.
The pintsized midfielder wore a brave face yesterday saying he is itching to don the black and white Highlanders strip.
“I am a Highlanders player and it’s an honour to play for them. I can’t wait to repay them for having confidence in me. Obviously I am disappointed not to have featured in the last two games because of paperwork but I have been assured that the club is doing its best to get the clearance. I have been told that I was cleared by the wrong person but hopefully the right person will be around to clear me on time for selection for Saturday’s game against Dynamos,” said Dephistara.
Contacted for comment, Muchatukwa said, “I have not been around but I’m back. You can call me tomorrow.”
Online Reporter