adminSikhumbuzo Moyo
ANOTHER Botswana-based Zimbabwean striker Tongai Magwendere has resurfaced at Bulawayo giants Highlanders although the club says it has finalised its second and final registration. The former national team striker who caught controversy during the 2011 Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations tournament in Tanzania when he together with Tapiwa Mafunga were caught with ladies of the night in their hotel rooms, was seen going through the training sessions with the rest of the Highlanders players at Barbourfields Stadium last Friday.
Highlanders registered two Botswana-based players Tinashe Chipunza and Master Masitara who were turning out for Miscellaneous and Nico United Football clubs respectively.
Magwendere’s contract with Township Rollers is believed to have expired and is now a free agent.
“Our technical staff might know better about the situation but as a club we are done with our registrations for the remainder of the season,” said
Highlanders secretary Andrew “Squad” Tapela.
This is not the first time that Magwendere has shown interest in turning out for the 2006 league champions as he once communicated with the team in 2009 before he was reportedly whisked away to Hwange by some elements within Highlanders.
He was an instant hit at the coalminers resulting in the then national team coach, Norman Mapeza drafting him into the Warriors squad for the Cecafa tournament in Tanzania.
Despite the second window having closed on 31 July, Magwendere can still be registered to play since his contract has since expired.
However, if the team that wants him has used its quota of 25 players and submitted to the Premier Soccer League, it cannot accommodate him.
The league registered a total of 66 players in the second transfer window with financially troubled Motor Action registering the highest number of 10 players after being deserted by an equal number of players.
Struggling Beitbridge-based Tripple B were the second highest with seven players while Caps United and Dynamos registered six players each.
Gold miners How Mine and Shabanie Mine engaged five players each.
Hwange, Harare City and FC Platinum registered a player each.
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo