adminFrom Sikhumbuzo Moyo in BULAWAYO
HIGHLANDERS goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya has signed a two-year renewable contract with city rivals How Mine, the gold miners have confirmed. In one of the most closely guarded secrets, the 2013 Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year finalist finally decided to pack his bags and move after being continuously frustrated by the club who failed to pay him a single dime in signing-on fees since his move from Zimbabwe Saints.
The gold miners’ coach Luke “Vahombe” Masomere confirmed the sensational capture of one of the most talented goalkeepers in the country, who will now have to fight for his place with young Donovan Bernard.
Veteran goalkeeper Ephraim Mazarura is almost certain to be on the road again and club hunting.
“We have not yet concluded any deals with any player. Those are just rumours, but what I can confirm to you is that we have signed Munyaradzi Diya, I don’t know from which club, on a two-year renewable contract,” said Masomere last night.
There have been reports that former Soccer Star of the Year Tawanda Muparati and Devon Chafa have been snapped up by the gold miners.
But Masomere said nothing concrete has been sealed, although indications are that the two players could indeed be turning out for the gold miners this season.
Diya is owed $8 000 in signing on fees and was able to renew his contract after the Chan tournament despite receiving numerous offers from other clubs.
He even sent his elder brother — former Dynamos goalkeepers’ coach Tichaona Diya — to sign on behalf of him while he was in South Africa with the Warriors in the hope that Bosso would honour their end of the contractual bargain.
But it was not to be.
Bosso were last season given close to $100 000 by their principal sponsor BancABC for signing players.
Meanwhile, Chikurupati begin their 2015 pre-season preparations next week Thursday, with a number of out-of-contract players set to try their luck.
Online Reporter