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OVERLOOKED young Highlanders FC striker Mgcini Sibanda has reportedly attracted interest from foreign scouts after impressing at the just ended Cosafa Under-20 tournament in Lesotho. Despite being confined to the sidelines at his club throughout the season, the well built up-and-coming star, who finished his Advanced Levels last month, put up a spirited show at the regional tournament, repaying his national team coaches Jairos Tapera and Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu for the faith placed in him.
According to Mpofu, the Young Warriors’ assistant coach, they used Mgcini for four games as a lone striker and he managed to harass defenders creating scoring opportunities for midfielders.
The former Chicken Inn coach said Mgcini was among a number of Warriors’ future stars who attracted lots of attention from scouts.
Sibanda started in four games against Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique and Angola.
“The Lesotho tournament was great and the players did all they could to raise the country’s flag and I must say going all the way to the semi-finals and losing on penalties is commendable for the young boys. What actually impressed us is that the efforts and the talent displayed by our players won the admiration of many and it won’t be a surprise to see some boys being invited for trials soon.
“I can single out Mgcini Sibanda of Highlanders as one of the most sought after by scouts who kept pestering our delegation as well as the player for his contact details as well as his video profile,” said Mpofu.
He said Sibanda’s physical stature, skill and age worked to his favour as the scouts believe that with age on his side, the player can develop into a brilliant striker.
Sibanda has been at Highlanders’ first team for the last two years having been registered in the five Premiership slots reserved for Under-20 players.
The youngster continues to be overlooked and with some game time, he might gain confidence and prove to be the answer to Highlanders’ scoring problems.
Mpofu said with enough game time, the sky is the limit for Sibanda.
“Now that he is done with his studies in as far as writing exams is concerned I think he can now put more effort and train harder to make it into the team. I cannot comment on him not playing at his club but as national team coaches, we saw the potential in him and if players like Donovan Bernard, Ronald Pfumbidzayi, Wisdom Mutasa and Walter Musona are involved almost week in week out in the Premiership, what can stop Mgcini?” said Mpofu.
He said there is a need to keep the Young Warriors group together and monitor their performances at club level.
Speaking to Chronicle Sport, Sibanda said he is working on his curriculum vitae which he will send to the scouts in South Africa.
“My father (Jerry Sibanda, Highlanders treasurer) has advised me to keep a cool head and not allow the calls I am getting to distract me. I am happy that my performance attracted scouts representing clubs in South Africa and just like any upcoming player it is my wish to play in a better paying league but I still have a lot to learn from Highlanders.
“Yesterday an agent called asking me to email my videos and that is what I am working on,” said Sibanda.
Knowledge Musona of Kaizer Chiefs is one example that a player can make a giant leap into a big club and become a hit as he was plucked from Aces Academy straight to South Africa’s celebrated club Kaizer Chiefs a few years ago.
Online Reporter