Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS chief executive Denzel Mnkandla says they are yet to receive formal communication from South African football giants Orlando Pirates on their reported interest in youthful, Prince Ndlovu.
Two years ago, Ndlovu had a trial stint at the Sea Robbers, but proposed deal collapsed last minute.
Word that has been circulating of late that the Buccaneers, as Pirates are also fondly known as, are arranging a flight for a trial of the Zimbabwe youth international.
“If the truth be told, we have not received anything formal from Orlando Pirates indicating their latest interest in Prince Ndlovu,” said Mnkandla.
He added: “If the interest is made formal, the player’s wishes have to be respected. Until we get that something formal or written, we will only treat it as speculation.”
According to South Africa’s Soccer Laduma, Orlando Pirates club chairman Dr Irvin Khoza is said to be ready to break the bank to secure the Zimbabwean international, with all arrangements in place.
It was reported that Bosso have quoted the Buccaneers R15m for the young player’s services.
Pirates already have two young wingers in Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota.
Ndlovu was first introduced to South Africa and Pirates fans in March of 2023.
That is when he went to train with the Sea Robbers after impressing their scouts with his progress in Zimbabwe.
The player, still very young, has grown in leaps and bounds since then, and he has been part of the Bosso senior team where he has had regular playing time.
The teenage prodigy was on trial with the Pirates two years ago but was primed for a move abroad instead.
With regards to his career highlights, at 16 years old became the youngest player to transition directly from Bosso90 to Highlanders FC’s first team.
He earned his first cap for the Zimbabwe Under-20 this year.
The player also had trials with Croatian club Vukovar 1991 and Austrian Bundesliga side Sturm Graz, but visa complications and physical demands hindered his chances.
Meanwhile, Highlanders are still battling to tie down midfield enforcer Melikhaya Ncube who is heavily tipped to make a move to Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) returnees Bulawayo Chiefs.
Ncube, one of Bosso’s standout performers in recent campaigns, is out of contract on December 31 and could be set for a high-profile switch across the city.
A few days ago, Mnkandla confirmed to Zimpapers Sports Hub that they are eager to retain the midfielder and are in discussions over a possible contract extension. — @FungaiMuderere
