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Ricky Zililo Sports Reporter
LONG-serving Highlanders FC defence stalwart and captain Innocent “Msholozi” Mapuranga has formally left the Bulawayo giants after six years at the club.
He has joined Bulawayo City – an ambitious Division One side angling for Premiership football .
The veteran defender is part of about 12 players that the Bulawayo giants are loaning out after finalising their 2015 squad.
Mapuranga’s departure from Highlanders became imminent after the club managed to secure on loan the services of Young Warriors’ defender Teenage Hadebe from Bantu Rovers and also recalled Douglas Sibanda, 24, from Shabanie Mine.
With Erick Mudzingwa and Felix Chindungwe also in the running for a starting place in central defence, coach Bongani Mafu decided to let Mapuranga go.
Sources said Plumtree Chiefs were reportedly monitoring Mapuranga at Highlanders but the experienced defender, who led the club to the Mbada Diamonds Cup glory in 2013, opted to try his luck at Bulawayo City.
“Mapuranga is at Bulawayo City where he hopes to impress the coaches. He believes that his legs can still carry him for at least two seasons and thinks he can settle at the City of Bulawayo owned club,” said a source.
Bulawayo City coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube declined to talk about Mapuranga or his team’s preparations, referring questions to BCC spokesperson Nesisa Mpofu who could not be reached for comment.
“I’m sorry I can’t answer your questions because I need clearance from the authorities to do so, you can look for the council spokesperson,” said Ncube.
Seasoned central defenders that Mapuranga will compete with for a starting place at Bulawayo City are Brighton Dube formerly with Highlanders, FC Platinum and How Mine as well as Zibusiso “Mzimara” Sibanda who was at Harare City last season.
Bulawayo City, already tagged as Zifa Southern Region Division One Soccer League pre-season favourites, are bracing for strong challenges from Bantu Rovers, Ntabazinduna, Technosphere, Amagagasi, Black Boots and Ntabazinduna Prison.
Highlanders 2015 Squad
Goalkeepers: Ariel Sibanda, Liberty Chirava, Njabulo Nyoni
Defenders: Lewis Ncube, Felix Chindungwe, Douglas Sibanda, Webster Chingodza, Honest Moyo, Erick Mudzingwa, Teenage Hadebe
Midfielders: Edmore Muzanenhamo, Tendai Ngulube, Bruce Kangwa, Welcome Ndiweni, Mthulisi Maphosa, Rahman Kutsanzira, Knox Mutizwa, King Nadolo, Simon Munawa, Nqobizitha Masuku
Strikers: Gabriel Nyoni, Ozias Zibande, Simba Sithole, Obidiah Tarumbwa
Juniors: Thomas Chideu, Godfrey Makaruse, Bukhosi Ncube, Ismael Musaka, Thembalethu Mthunzi.
Online Reporter