Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
GHANAlAN Paul Orape was one of the new faces in Highlanders’ first team as they faced former players and club legends at a Family Fun Day event held at the clubhouse on Sunday.
It appears that Orape is among the players Highlanders are considering signing ahead of the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
The 22-year-old Orape has previously played for Essa Areekode FC and Luca Sporting Club in India.
Orape was part of the first-team squad on Sunday but was under the weather and could not be part of the playing team.
Other new additions to the squad, believed to have finalised their deals, include Marlvin Hativagoni and Mafious Chiweta.
The duo was also part of the festivities at the Highlanders clubhouse on Sunday.
In the main match of the day, the current Highlanders squad triumphed 5-2 over the Bosso legends and former players.
The Highlanders first team got their goals from Marvin Sibanda, Brighton Ncube, McKinnon Mushore, Prince Ndlovu and Never Rauzhi, while Mkhokheli Dube and Bekithemba Ndlovu were on target for the former players and legends.
Chiweta (19) joins Highlanders from Bulawayo’s Ajax Hotspurs, who play in the Zifa Southern Region League.
The talented winger has impressed Kaindu, who is focused on rebuilding the squad for the 2025 PSL season after the departure of key players, including Lynoth Chikuhwa, Peter Muduhwa, Marvelous Chigumira and Godfrey Makaruse.
The club has also released defender Andrew Tandi and midfielder Brian ‘Gaucho’ Ndlovu.
Speaking after the event, Highlanders’ communications officer Nozibelo Maphosa said the day was a success.
“The main purpose of the Family Fun Day was to raise funds for the club, but just as importantly, it provided an opportunity for the Highlanders family to come together before the start of the new season. It was a family-friendly environment, and we all had so much fun,” Maphosa said.
Maphosa said they would be releasing the event’s figures in due course.
Kaindu’s first stint with Highlanders began in 2012, when he led the team on a 23-match unbeaten run, narrowly losing the title to Dynamos on goal difference. He left in 2014, only to return for the 2024 season, where he led the team to a sixth-place finish in the table.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is expected to hold its annual general meeting next month, ahead of the 2025 season, which is set to kick off in March. Many clubs are working to finalise player transfers early to ensure they are fully prepared when the league begins.
The Castle Challenge Cup, which will feature Chibuku Super Cup champions Dynamos and league champions Simba Bhora next Saturday, is expected to kick-start the new season. — @innocentskizoe
Online Reporter