adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
YOUNG Highlanders striker Mgcini Sibanda’s intended move to neighbours Bantu Rovers has fallen through after the two clubs failed to reach an agreement.
The Zimbabwe Under-20 key striker has been a regular bench-warmer at the Bulawayo giants and the switch to Bantu Rovers would have seen him getting the much needed game time, at a club where he would have played alongside his age mates.
Despite not enjoying much game time, Sibanda, son to Highlanders treasurer Jerry Sibanda, is a key member of the national Under-20 squad and was one of the star attractions at the Cosafa Junior Championships held in Lesotho last year.
“We are no longer chasing Mgcini. Talks have been abandoned,” said Bantu Rovers’ general manager Wilbert Sibanda.
He said his club failed to meet Highlanders’ demands, which he did not disclose although it is believed Bantu Rovers wanted a permanent move while Bosso wanted a loan move for the former Milton High School pupil.
Last month, Highlanders chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede told Chronicle Sport that they had received a formal letter from their neighbours expressing interest in Sibanda.
Bantu Rovers have since promoted some of their juniors to the first team and brought on board a veteran of many battles, Herbert Dick, from How Mine.
Meanwhile, Highlanders have concluded talks with two out-of-contract Premier Soccer League players with Gumede saying the ball was now in the two players’ court.
“It’s now up to them to make up their minds. As Highlanders we have tabled our offer to them which they seemed happy with and it’s solely up to them now but we hope they make up their minds sooner than later,” said Gumede.
The Bosso head of secretariat however refused to name the two players but is on record saying the club needed a natural right back and a striker.
Last week, two former right backs Hloniphani Ndebele and Ricky Sibiya tried their luck with the Bulawayo giants.
derick.khumalo