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Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
THERE were no surprise inclusions in Highlanders final squad of 30 players that was released on Thursday afternoon.
The list contains players that were recruited at the beginning of the year with striker, Newman Sianchali being the only late addition.
True to Highlanders philosophy, technical manager, Madinda Ndlovu named a largely youthful squad with an age range between 21 and 23 years.
Ndlovu ignored calls from fans who wanted him to pounce on players who had been with How Mine when the team folded last week.
Fans felt roping in former Bosso midfielder, Milton Ncube and 2014 golden boot winner, Kuda Musharu would add depth to the squad and enable them to challenge for honours this year.
Last year’s goalkeeping personnel were kept intact while changes were made to the defence with the introduction of McClive Phiri and elevations of juniors Ashford Faira, Andrew Mbeba and Vincent Moyo.
In midfield new players include Patrick Musaka, Nigel Mukumbe, who is on a season’s loan from FC Platinum and Munyaradzi Chitambwe.
Promising midfielder, Denzel Khumalo was the surprise exclusion from the squad and has been moved to Bosso’s developmental team, Bosso90 that is playing in Division One.
Other players that did not fit into the squad are defender, Benson Phiri, striker, Lucky Ndebele and Nkosana Ndlovu.
Highlanders chief executive officer, Nhlanhla Dube urged fans to exercise patience with the youngsters saying it will take time for them be at their full potential.
He said whistling and booing might negatively impact on a player who otherwise would have developed into a soccer star.
“The urge for immediate results is there but I think we have explained this is a long-term project hence fans should be patience with the youngsters. Yes they will make mistakes along the way but they should give them room to correct them without putting them under pressure through booing them.
“We are going back to our philosophy of having a youthful squad largely made up of players promoted from our juniors. It will not be an overnight project but will take time,” he said.
Bosso 2018 Squad;
Goalkeepers: Ariel Sibanda, Nedrick Madeya, Prosper Matutu
Defenders: Peter Mudhuwa, Tendai Ndlovu, Charlton Siamalonga, Bukhosi Ncube, Mbongeni Ndlovu, Honest Moyo, Ashford Faira, McClive Phiri, Andrew Mbeba, Vincent Moyo
Midfielders: Brian Banda, Adrian Silla, Brian Jaravaza, Onwell Goimbami, Talent Machimbirike, Nigel Mukumbe, Patrick Ben Musaka, Munyaradzi Chitambwe
Strikers: Gabriel Nyoni, Thabo Lunga, Newman Sianchali, Ray Lunga, Ozia Zibande, Daniel Msendami, Edmore Moyo, Thabo Lunga, Godfrey Makaruse, Timothy Zivave
Online Reporter