How Mine target Rio

Sport
AFTER failing on a bid to lure back Ajax Cape Town reject Simba Sithole — who is close to sealing a deal with Highlanders — How Mine are chasing after former Bosso midfielder Peter “Rio” Moyo.

AFTER failing on a bid to lure back Ajax Cape Town reject Simba Sithole — who is close to sealing a deal with Highlanders — How Mine are chasing after former Bosso midfielder Peter “Rio” Moyo.

FORTUNE MBELE SPORTS REPORTER Moyo was also spurned by another South African Absa Premier Soccer League side Mpumalanga Black Aces, who had signed him at the end of May, with coach Clive Barker saying the dreadlocked striker was not in his plans.

How Mine vice-chairman Alpha Matumbura yesterday said they had since engaged Moyo’s manager Amin Soma-Phiri over the player.

“I spoke to him (Soma-Phiri) on Friday and he indicated that Rio is still in South Africa where he is receiving medical attention. I understand he received a knock while training with Mpumalanga.

“Phiri said the player would be in the country this week and then we will engage him to see if he can be with us for the remainder of our games. We are also yet to meet with the new coach (Luke Masomere) and hear what he has to say. Who wouldn’t want to have a player of Rio’s calibre in his squad,” Matumbura said.

Soma-Phiri yesterday confirmed that How Mine have approached him but said there was nothing tangible yet. “Yes, they have approached me but we have not discussed anything,”Soma-Phiri said.

Last week, Soma-Phiri confirmed to Southern Eye Sport that Moyo is returning to Zimbabwe saying the dribbling midfielder will not be returning to Highlanders.

He said the player would be available to any club that is interested in him. Chapungu United are said to be another team that are reportedly eyeing Moyo, who impressed Mpumalanga during the African Nations Championships in South Africa in January.

He left Bosso in mid-season together with Kuda Mahachi (Mamelodi Sundowns) and Milton Ncube (Ajax Cape Town), but the latter is yet to play for his new club, as he is yet to get a work permit.

Mahachi has played, two scoring in his first in the 2-0 win against Moroka Swallows and also featuring in the 3-0 drubbing by Orlando Pirates.