Sidumisile Mabena
Online Reporter
HIGHLANDERS coach Benjani Mwaruwari has expressed excitement after the club finally completed negotiations and secured the signature of star defender and captain Andrew Mbeba following months of speculation about his future.
Mbeba’s contract situation had dominated discussions among Bosso supporters for weeks, with fans anxious about whether the influential defender would remain at the club.
Speaking during a press conference held at the club’s offices in Bulawayo, Mwaruwari said the completion of the deal had brought relief and excitement to everyone associated with the club.
“It’s been tough for everyone who is connected to the Highlanders. We all know that Andrew Mbeba is a very important player for us and people were worried, especially the fans, everyone who loves Highlanders, wanted this boy to stay.
I think, starting from myself to the fans, to everyone who is connected to this family, is happy and everyone is happy,” said Mwaruwari.
The coach said securing the services of Mbeba was a major morale boost for the squad as they prepare for the high-stakes clash against arch-rivals Dynamos FC.
“It’s a big boost for us as we are heading to a big game like Dynamos. It’s a big, big boost,” he said.
Mbeba has been one of Highlanders’ most consistent performers in recent seasons and plays a key leadership role in the squad, both as captain and as a commanding presence in defence.
The resolution of his contract negotiations is expected to bring stability to the Bosso backline as the Bulawayo giants look to strengthen their campaign in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League.
Highlanders supporters had been increasingly vocal on social media and at matches, urging the club leadership to secure the future of the defender amid reports linking him with a potential move away to bitter rivals Dynamos.
derick.khumalo