Mbeba talks progressing, says Benjani

HIGHLANDERS head coach Benjani Mwaruwari has revealed that defender Andrew “Tower” Mbeba remains part of his plans as the club continues negotiations over a new contract.

Mbeba, who travelled with the team to Botswana for their pre-season bonding exercise, was not unveiled as part of the squad on Saturday, a development that raised eyebrows within the Bosso family.

The experienced defender, who helped the Bulawayo football giants avoid relegation on the final day of last season, is yet to agree terms with the club after earlier expressing a desire to leave. A potential move linking him with FC Platinum ultimately failed to materialise.

Mwaruwari, who took charge of his first official match on Sunday, was quick to indicate that the lanky defender still features in his plans.

The former Warriors striker, popularly known as “The Undertaker,” said the club is close to concluding negotiations with Mbeba.

“There is progress that is being made with regards to his contract,” said Mwaruwari.

“He’s still negotiating his contract, but he’s with us. I love the fact that he’s with us. He’s one of our boys. He’s very supportive in training and he really wants to work. Hopefully, his situation will be sorted very soon.”

Reports suggest Mbeba has been demanding that the club buys him a house in Bulawayo’s high-density suburbs such as Mzilikazi or Pumula as part of the deal.

However, Mwaruwari remained cautious about discussing the details of the negotiations.
“I don’t really want to go into players’ contracts, but from what I hear, they are almost done. We are fortunate that he is almost getting fit as well, so once the situation is finalised I think we will all be happy,” he said.

Mbeba, a 2025 Soccer Star of the Year finalist, is expected to play a key leadership role in a squad that includes experienced players such as Kudakwashe “Nkembe” Mahachi, Rainsome Pavari, Shepherd Mhlanga, Shepherd Moyo, goalkeeper Pride Zendera and defender, Lawrence Mhlanga.

With Highlanders celebrating their centenary this year, expectations are high across the Bosso family for both the technical team and players to deliver results on and off the pitch.