Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
HIGHLANDERS coach Kelvin Kaindu, is optimistic that the upcoming international break will provide a much-needed advantage for his side.
With several players recovering from injuries and the potential registration of new signings, Kaindu is confident that the break will allow his team to regroup and strengthen ahead of their crucial Week Four encounter against Scottland at Barbourfields Stadium on March 30.
Kaindu, who has been plagued by a depleted squad in recent weeks, let slip a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw with GreenFuel at the weekend. The match highlighted the challenges the team faces, with new signings still waiting to be officially registered. Kaindu will be hoping the break will provide enough time to register these new players. Bosso had been under a Fifa transfer ban, which was only recently lifted, preventing the team from strengthening its roster earlier in the season.
“We had a limited squad for the GreenFuel match and unfortunately, we had to field some players who were not fully fit. Both our strikers, Brighton Ncube and Reason Sibanda, were not 100 percent fit and we had to substitute Prince Ndlovu, who is also injured. Our substitutes were limited and this cost us valuable points,” said Kaindu.
He remains hopeful that the upcoming break will allow his players to continue their conditioning, with the first few games of the season acting as preparation for the longer campaign ahead.
“The international break will give us time to continue our conditioning. The first five or six games are all about building match fitness. We can only learn from this experience and make sure we do better in the future,” added Kaindu.
The international break also presents a crucial opportunity for the team to welcome several new signings, which could provide the boost they need as they move forward in the season. Among the notable additions expected at Highlanders once the registration ban is lifted are seasoned defender Marlvern Hativagoni, from Bulawayo Chiefs, pacey striker Never Rauzhi, winger Tendai Muvuti from Hwange FC and midfielder Hubert Ncube from ZPC Hwange.
Former Chegutu Pirates striker Panashe Mushonga and 26-year-old Mbonisi Ncube, who has impressed during his stint with BDF XI in Botswana, will add further options to the strike force. In addition, 19-year-old left-back Luckmore Mutumbi, promoted from the club’s development squad, will offer fresh legs and enthusiasm in the defensive line.
Another exciting young talent joining Bosso is 19-year-old winger Mafious Junior Chiweta, who was outstanding for Ajax Hotspurs in the Zifa Southern Region Division One League. Chiweta’s dribbling ability has caught the eye of coach Kaindu, and he will be eager to make his mark at the top level as part of the club’s rebuilding process. — @innocentskizoe
