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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Acting Sports Editor
SOUTH Africa’s Absa Premiership outfit Golden Arrows described Highlanders and Warriors goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya as a very good player and have invited him for further trials next month. According to the South African side’s general manager James Dlamini, his recent trial period was short and they could not make a definite decision hence the need to have Diya back in January.
Diya, a finalist of the 2013 Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year, had a week-long trial stint with the team nicknamed Abafana Besthende and looks to have impressed.
“The trial period was rather too short but even then, we were left with no doubt that the Zimbabwean goalie is a very good player. He will have to come back here in January for us to make a final assessment of him but like I said, he looks to be our man,” said Dlamini in an interview with Chronicle Sport yesterday.
Abafana Besthende have four goalkeepers in their books but coach Mark Harrison wants a more reliable and regular goalkeeper and Diya looks set to be his solution.
They have first choice Ryan Harrison, Nkosingiphile Gumede, Siya Mngoma, Ricardo Goss and Damien van Rensburg.
On Monday, Golden Arrows were beaten 0-3 by Tapuwa Kapini’s AmaZulu with Ryan Harrison in goals. They come up against Kaizer Chiefs this evening.
Diya, who is out of contract at Highlanders at the end of this month, is presently with the Zimbabwe senior national team which is in camp in preparation for the African Nations Championship set to be held in South Africa from January 11 to February 1, 2014.
If he makes it into the final 23 travelling team as expected, his dream of playing in South Africa might fall through as the Chan tournament stretches for almost a month.
Speaking after the Soccer Stars banquet in Harare last Friday, Diya also expressed satisfaction with his performance during trials but said whatever the outcome he will remain a Highlanders player.
“I think I did well but Golden Arrows are yet to get back to me, perhaps they are talking to Highlanders I don’t know. However, at the moment I remain a Highlanders player,” said Diya.
The former Dynamos and Zimbabwe Saints goalminder had a dream season at Highlanders and was the odds on favourite to land the Goalkeeper of the Year award before that forgettable Sunday afternoon at Rufaro Stadium where Highlanders were mauled 4-0 by a rampaging Harare City.
Even then, he could still have landed the accolade had it not been for the controversial selection criteria introduced.
Online Reporter