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Lovemore Dube Sports Editor A buoyant Highlanders FC first team yesterday came up with what they dubbed the “Bubi Declaration” as they fired warning shots ahead of their 2014 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign.Asked what their target for the year was at Heath Streak’s Safari Camp in Inyathi yesterday, captain Innocent Mapuranga responded that their aim was to sweep all the trophies on offer. The question had been asked by club board chairman Mgcini Nkolomi in a vote of thanks at a reception attended by the Bubi District civic and political leadership. The Member of Parliament for the area, Clifford Sibanda, council Chief Executive Officer Partson Mlilo, acting District Administrator Tapiwa Ziboyiboyi, Ward 23 councillor, Rita Khuphe and Inyathi ZRP Officer-In-Charge Dickson Sibanda attended the reception in the afternoon. Not content with Mapuranga’s response Nkolomi challenged the boys to gun for the title in what they termed the “Bubi Declaration.” Bosso have not won the championship since 2006. They have in the last two seasons finished second to Dynamos tying at the top only for them to lose on goal difference in a very painful way. “I would like to express gratitude to the local leadership for the reception. We have to challenge ourselves and in that regard we have to come up with a declaration. We will call it the “Bubi Declaration” and this year we must go for the title,” said Nkolomi drawing applause from the floor. He said Highlanders was a big stage that players should take advantage of. Nkolomi challenged them not to make it their final destination but to aspire to go even higher. “Bosso is a big ladder for one to use to get to the top. I am happy our players in the national team rose to it and even Peter “Rio” Moyo emerged as the man of the match in South Africa. “Bosso is a big, big stage, it should not be the final destination for you guys but you must aim higher. We want to see you express yourselves on the soccer field and because of those boys in South Africa everyone is opening his eyes to Highlanders. “Your profiles will soar if you work with that objective. A lot of business entities benefit when Highlanders is playing well, I hope it will be a different year,” said the board chairman. Highlanders began their preparations for the season under Mark Mathe who replaced Bekithemba Ndlovu. However, Ndlovu is in camp assisting in what the club has described as a smooth transition in the absence of Kelvin Kaindu. The club has been working on physical conditioning with former Orlando Pirates fitness trainer Majaha “Masinga” Ndlovu in charge. Mathe said he was impressed with the players’ response to the gruelling routines. The players are training thrice a day and will return to the city tomorrow. “The morale in camp is high. The boys have been responsive to our training here and we are happy with the level of commitment from them. They have gelled in well and we are happy about that,” said Mathe.
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