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HIGHLANDERS assistant coach and club legend, Madinda Ndlovu, says the inclusion of Andrew Mbeba and Ariel Sibanda on the Soccer Stars of the Year is something to be proud of for the club.
The two players were part of an impressive defence this season.
“They have had a very good season at the back, alongside Mbongeni Ndlovu, and Peter Muduhwa,” said Madinda.
“I am surprised Mbongeni was not selected, he was very outstanding in defence with Muduhwa.
“As for Muduhwa, it may be the case of the suspension.”
He added:
“I first saw Ariel in Plumtree when he was still at school, he was playing with my son Lance.
“He came to Highlanders years later when we went to camp at the Streak Farm.
“He was still fresh in my mind that I knew him from Plumtree. It was hard training there and he showed guts despite being young.
“I set up an appointment to brief the executive about that he would be the first-choice goalkeeper and he was jittery at first but, as time went on, he became the great goalkeeper he is today.”
Sibanda has the second highest number of appearances on the Soccer Stars of the Year calendar after the legendary Japhet Mparutsa.
Mparutsa has six appearances and Sibanda four.
“When I returned to Highlanders in 2019 I took a number of players from Bosso90.
“Mbeba was among the players I promoted from Bosso90.
“Others were Daniel Msendami, Vincent Moyo and Mbongeni.
“It’s a pity coaches see differently, we let Msendami go as soon as I left and now he is shining elsewhere whereas he should have been doing that at Highlanders.”
Msendami is playing in the CAF Champions League for Jwaneng Galaxy.
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge