adminNgqwele Dube Sports Correspondent
THE Zifa Southern Region executive is set to deliberate on the player dispute involving Highlanders and Bantu Rovers this week. Highlanders are accusing Bantu Rovers of using underhand tactics to lure their player, Ishmael Ben Munsaka but the latter is denying the charges. Zifa administrator Augustine Ndlovu said the matter will be discussed this week by the executive who will then decide to either make a ruling or refer the matter to the disciplinary committee.
Bosso wrote to Zifa saying the player should return to their books after his guardian Tsitsi Chikerema requested a clearance letter from the club on “false pretences”, allegedly saying they wanted the player to go back to school in Victoria Falls. The player then resurfaced at Bantu Rovers in Bulawayo.
Highlanders believe this was done at the instigation of Bantu Rovers who they allege offered the boy’s father a housing stand as inducement. The Bulawayo football giants said their investigations revealed an official at Bantu who used to work for them was behind the move.
Munsaka, who turned out for the Young Warriors in the 2014 African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games was registered in Highlanders’ first team last year but had to make way for other players during the mid-season window, as then coach Bongani Mafu sought to revive the team’s floundering efforts.
Chikerema, who had entered into a contract with Highlanders on behalf of Munsaka, told the club they wanted the boy to resume studies at Mosi Oa Tunya High School in Victoria Falls resulting in the club giving him a clearance letter.
However, Bantu Rovers are insisting they never made any overtures they are accused of having done by Highlanders with general manager, Wilbert Sibanda saying Munsaka approached them with the clearance letter from Highlanders and they signed him up.
Online Reporter