Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
IF there is one player Highlanders supporters would hate to see wearing another Premier Soccer League shirt next season, it is Andrew “Tower” Mbeba.
The attacking fullback is putting together a season that is increasingly making him one of the most attractive players on the domestic market, with five assists already and seven matches still to play.
For a defender, those numbers are hard to ignore.
Mbeba’s value, however, goes beyond the statistics. He has developed into the sort of modern fullback every ambitious club wants, capable of defending, carrying the ball forward, delivering dangerous crosses and, crucially, creating goals.
His five assists have come in matches against Herentals, MWOS, Bulawayo Chiefs, Hunters and Hardrock, with some of his deliveries providing moments of genuine quality.
About the player, Bosso said the defender has become an important attacking outlet from the back, consistently finding ways to influence play in the final third.
His creativity has been evident across a number of matches. Against Herentals and Hunters, Mbeba created goals for Marvin Sibanda, while his delivery against MWOS provided for Isaac Ngoma.
He was also instrumental in creating for Rainsome Pavari against Bulawayo Chiefs, while Reason Sibanda benefited from his creativity against Hardrock.
Solid at the back, composed in possession and dangerous when joining the attack, Mbeba continues to demonstrate his versatility and importance to the team.
Certainly, creating from the back, Mbeba is making his presence felt all over the pitch!
Five assists.
Seven games remaining.
Suddenly, the question is not whether clubs will notice Mbeba, but how many will come knocking.
However, Highlanders are making it clear that they have no intention of simply allowing one of their prized assets to walk away.
Highlanders chairman Kindman Ndlovu said Mbeba remains firmly part of the Bosso set-up and that the club has not received any offers for the player.
“Andrew Mbeba has a running contract with Highlanders. So, as things stand, Mbeba is our player. We have not got any offers from any club,” said Ndlovu.
He said the club would continue doing everything possible to retain its best-performing players.
“We always actually do our best to keep our best performing players. Mbeba has never played for any club besides Highlanders. As such, we will always do our best to keep him,” said Ndlovu.
Mbeba, a 2025 Soccer Star of the Year finalist, is a product of the Highlanders system and has established himself as an important member of the side.
There is something particularly valuable about having a fullback who can change a match from wide areas.
Mbeba gives Highlanders that outlet.
“We will keep working hard. It’s all about playing for the badge and playing as a unit,” said Mbeba.
When opponents sit deep, his crossing can unlock defences. When space opens up, he can advance quickly. And when Highlanders need width, he provides it without sacrificing his defensive responsibilities.
His five assists are therefore more than just a number.
They tell the story of a player increasingly influencing matches from a position where goals and assists are not traditionally expected in large numbers.
That is precisely why some PSL clubs could be tempted to make a serious move for his services next season.
For Highlanders, the situation presents both a compliment and a concern.
Having a player attracting interest is evidence of the quality within the Bosso ranks, but losing a player of Mbeba’s attacking importance would leave a significant hole.
The fullback has become one of those players supporters expect to see involved whenever Highlanders attack, particularly when the ball is worked into the wide areas. And there is still time for the tally to rise. With seven matches remaining, Mbeba can add to his five assists and strengthen what is already an impressive creative record for a fullback.
For now, Bosso supporters can simply enjoy watching him whip those trademark deliveries into dangerous areas. Because if the breathtaking crosses keep coming, Mbeba will not only be attracting attention, he will be attracting offers. And when the transfer window opens, there could be a queue!
— @FungaiMuderere.
