Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS’ players appear too small, too timid and far too easy to bully. That’s the stinging verdict from Vusa Ndlovu, a visiting former striker, who once bullied defenders himself while turning out for Railstars, Zimbabwe Saints and Hwange.
Now based in Saudi Arabia, the powerful forward was left unimpressed after watching Highlanders take on MWOS in a recent Castle Lager Premier Soccer League fixture.
“I watched the Highlanders versus MWOS match. What I saw from that game, compared to the old days, is that the boys are too small. These days, teams prioritise big, physically structured players,” said Ndlovu, who was nicknamed “Mbesuma” after the formidable former Kaizer Chiefs and Zambia national team striker, Collins Mbesuma.
For Ndlovu, the modern game demands physical presence — and Bosso simply don’t measure up.
He reminisced about players like Zenzo Moyo, the towering striker, who was a nightmare for defenders in his prime. Moyo famously scored 22 goals and was crowned Soccer Star of the Year, despite leaving mid-season for trials in Cyprus. His imposing figure and aggressive style set him apart.
“Small players must be extremely talented and very skilful,” Ndlovu said.
Without that edge, he believes Highlanders players shrink — both physically and mentally — when they come up against stronger teams.
“If you’re going to have small boys playing against bigger boys, they feel inferior. They lose the match before it even starts,” said Ndlovu, who rarely came off second-best in a physical battle during his playing days.
He urged Highlanders to cast their net wider in the search for talent, particularly in rural areas where raw, unpolished gems often go unnoticed. He cited the example of Prince Dube, who was discovered in rural Inyathi and rose to national prominence with Bosso.
“What I saw of Highlanders embarrassed me. I challenge Highlanders to fix that,” said Ndlovu bluntly.
He believes the club must actively scout under-the-radar regions and even organise grassroots tournaments to unearth the kind of robust, fearless talent that once defined the black and white jersey.
And until then? Bosso risk being bossed around far too easily.
