Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS’ chief executive officer Denzel Mnkandla has revealed that Bosso are “80 percent” through with the recruitment of midfielders Shepherd Mhlanga, Shelton Moyo and Rainsome Pavari, as the Bulawayo giants intensify their efforts to rebuild following a draining off-season.
The trio are already training with the club — a definitive signal that negotiations have progressed beyond casual interest and into the final stages.
For a squad recently stripped of key personnel, Bosso are eager to inject both depth and quality back into the heart of their team.
However, even as Highlanders chase fresh talent, a significant question mark still hangs over the dressing room.
Vice-captain Andrew Mbeba’s future at the club remains unresolved, leaving a sense of uncertainty surrounding one of the team’s core leaders at a time when stability is most desperately needed.
This recruitment drive is a direct response to a series of high-profile departures. Highlanders recently lost influential figures in quick succession, including Mason Mushore, who sealed a move to South African Premiership side AmaZulu, and creative spark Melikhaya Ncube, who was snapped up by top-flight returnees, Bulawayo Chiefs.
The exodus continued as Mckinnon Mushore opted not to return to Highlanders following the expiry of his contract at Simba Bhora on December 31, 2025.
Instead, he chose to join FC Platinum after his six-month loan spell with the former champions.
Defensively, the club also felt the pinch as central defender Arthur Ndlovu departed for Manica Diamonds, a move that highlights the competitive nature of a market where rivals are strengthening aggressively ahead of the new campaign.
The players linked with a move to Barbourfields bring significant top-flight experience. Pavari previously featured for Manica Diamonds, while Mhlanga arrives from FC Platinum, adding a seasoned edge to a Bosso midfield that is being reshaped in real-time.
“All I can say, we are 80 percent close to sealing deals with Shepherd Mhlanga, Shelton Moyo and Rainsome Pavari, who can all confirm that they are training with the club. More details will be announced in due course,” said Mnkandla.
These pending arrivals would bolster a busy transfer window for the club. Highlanders have already secured the signatures of Mongameli Tshuma and Tawanda Shenje from Hwange, Royn Nyamono from Bikita Minerals, Nust’s Rayton Chuma, and goalkeeper Pride Zendera from Chicken Inn.
The overhaul has been equally dramatic on the touchline. Bosso recently parted company with their entire coaching staff, including Pieter de Jongh, Try Ncube and Agent Sawu, forcing a total reset of the club’s technical department.
While South African tactician Thabo Senong has been tapped to lead the new era, his appointment remains in administrative limbo. Senong is still awaiting a work permit, as the Immigration Department has yet to grant him clearance.
If the deals for Mhlanga, Moyo, and Pavari are finalised in the coming days, Highlanders will have taken a major step toward plugging the gaps left by the recent departures. Nevertheless, the lingering Mbeba contract saga and the delay in Senong’s clearance remain two critical loose ends that could determine how quickly this new-look side finds its rhythm. — @FungaiMuderere
