Vusumuzi Dube
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS striker Brighton “Maninja” Ncube has returned to Bulawayo after his expected move to Botswana Premiership giants Jwaneng Galaxy collapsed following a failure by the two clubs to agree on transfer terms.
Despite reportedly impressing during a trial stint in Botswana, Ncube is back and training with the rest of the Highlanders squad.
A Zimpapers Sports Hub crew spotted the striker as Bosso went through their paces under the watchful eye of head coach Benjani Mwaruwari at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Grounds yesterday.
Highlanders chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla confirmed that no agreement had been reached between the clubs, insisting that the striker remains contracted to the Bulawayo giants.
“Nothing agreed between the clubs. So no deal. He still has a running contract. He remains a Highlanders player,” said Mnkandla.
Ncube had travelled to Botswana amid reports linking him with a move to Jwaneng Galaxy and was even spotted featuring in a friendly match involving the Botswana champions and a Division One side.
According to sources, the forward delivered an eye-catching performance, scoring twice and providing an assist, further fuelling speculation that a deal was imminent.
However, reports suggest that the move fell apart after Highlanders allegedly demanded a hefty transfer fee, while the club is also said to be unwilling to mutually terminate the striker’s contract.
Ncube reportedly returned home on Tuesday after it became clear that negotiations had stalled.
The aborted move comes at a time when the striker is understood to be seeking improved terms at Highlanders, though the club is reportedly reluctant to meet his demands. With his contract running until 2026, Bosso remain in a strong negotiating position should any club come calling.
Ncube enjoyed a bright start to the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season, scoring the first hat-trick of the campaign in Highlanders’ emphatic 4-0 victory over Kwekwe United. However, his form later dipped, managing just one additional goal to end the season with four.
Despite that, his strike partnership with Reason Sibanda showed promise and was among the positives for the Bulawayo giants.
A product of the Highlanders junior system, Ncube left Bosso at Under-18 level after being offered an opportunity to play Premiership football with Bantu Rovers.
He made his Castle Lager Premier Soccer League debut in 2017 at just 17 years old, becoming one of the youngest players to feature in the league.
Online Reporter