Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, Deputy Echo Editor
FORMER Highlanders players will roll back the years when they take on South Africa’s Matavhela Masters in a friendly match at White City Stadium’s B Arena in Bulawayo on Saturday afternoon.
The exhibition match, which is free of charge, will give fans and young football enthusiasts a chance to watch some of Bosso’s yesteryear stars in action.
Highlanders Players’ Secretary-General, Itayi Masawi — who turned out for Bosso as a right-back between 1992 and 1995 — said the friendly against Matavhela Masters from Venda is part of ongoing efforts to keep the legends united and active.
“We hold these matches so that as legends we remain in touch, united, and also keep fit,” said Masawi, who later played for Black Rhinos from 1996 to 2003.
“We once participated in the Swan Tournament this year at White City, where we played against Beitbridge Legends. That team had players from Matavhela Masters as guest players, and they later approached us for this friendly match.”
Among the Highlanders Legends expected to feature are Zenzo Moyo, Abraham Mubayiwa, Felix Chindungwe, Lindani Karairwa, Heritani Masuku, Graham “Grazo” Ncube, Douglas Mloyi, Collsen Mabea, Simon Sibanda, Castro Ndebele, Mpumelelo Moyo, Njabulo Ncube, Tanny Banda, Netsai “Super” Moyo, Melusi “Mabaleka” Sibanda, Gift Lunga Snr and Jnr, Siza Khoza, Roy Cele, Herbert Dick, Danisa Phiri, Dan Ngwenya and Wonder Mpofu.
The team will be coached by Highlanders legend Madinda Ndlovu.
Masawi encouraged fans to come in their numbers and enjoy a nostalgic afternoon of football.
“This is a friendly between two football-loving teams composed of legends. We want to roll back the years so that people can come and watch us play. It’s also an opportunity for young kids to see some of the players who once proudly donned the black and white jersey of Highlanders,” he said.
Matavhela Masters spokesperson Silas Nemafukani said they were looking forward to the encounter.
“We are very happy to be rubbing shoulders with those legends since some of them have played for the national team. Highlanders are one of the big teams in Zimbabwe. We have the likes of Dubbs, Fanta, Dick, Baldwin, Mendu and Mbula who have competed in the third division in our ranks. We are hoping to enjoy a lot,” he said.
