adminRicky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS and national team striker Knox Mutizwa’s dream move to South Africa’s Bidvest Wits is expected to be concluded today when the player signs the deal.
Mutizwa, winner of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League 2015 Top Goal Scorer Award made the grade at Wits a fortnight ago and a delay by Bosso to name their price has been dragging the deal.
Impeccable sources say the 22-year-old Mutizwa who scored 14 league goals from 18 starts is going for $80,000, which is double what the club got from selling Thomas chideu to Ajax Cape Town in June.
“Highlanders are going to get twice the amount they got from Ajax. Mutizwa is going for a similar amount that Chicken Inn sold Tendai Ndoro to Mpumalanga Black Aces a few years back. The deal is almost done and the player should be signing his contract before going for national team camp on Boxing Day,” said a source.
Highlanders are closing for the holiday tomorrow and will open their office on January 5.
Mutizwa played his last game for Highlanders on December 12, captaining Bosso to Easycall Cup glory as they beat city rivals and league champions Chicken Inn 1-0.
Renowned agent Gibson Mahachi who was expecting Wits’ documents yesterday said;
“They (Wits) should be sending some documents today. Everything is on course and once he signs I will let you know,” Mahachi said.
“Mjomani” or “Njome” as Mutizwa is affectionately known, will join countryman Onismor Bhasera at Wits.
Chances are high that Mutizwa could be joining his new paymasters in the New Year to help them in their championship bid.
Wits are second on the table, tied on 26 points with Mamelodi Sundowns who have a superior goal difference.
An excited Mutizwa said he will wait to hear Wits’ plans about his move.
“I’m definitely signing for Wits and they have indicated that they are interested in my services. What I don’t know is whether they will want me to join them during the January transfer window or in July for the new season. Obviously I would like to go and help them as they fight for the title. I’m really looking forward to going there and I thank God for making this dream a reality,” said Mutizwa.
He said he leaves Bosso “a proud person” having been part of the squad that won the Easycall Cup.
“I’m proud that my contribution helped the team win a major cup. It was a tough season but we managed to get something out of it. What made winning the cup sweet was that we beat all the top three, FC Platinum in the quarter-finals, Dynamos in the semi-finals and Chicken Inn in the final. I leave Highlanders a happy man knowing that they have a trophy in their cabinet and I wish them well next season,” said Mutizwa.
Mutizwa scored Highlanders’ solitary goal against FC Platinum in the first round played in Zvishavane and was on target when Bosso beat Dynamos 2-1 at Barbourfields Stadium. Ralph Matema scored from the penalty spot in the final against Chicken Inn.
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