FORMER Highlanders midfielder Mthulisi Maphosa pitched up at newly-promoted Zifa Southern Region Division One side BCC Golden Stars, who started trials under interim coach, former How Mine gaffer Philani “Beefy” Ncube, at Luveve Stadium yesterday.
Maphosa was axed by Highlanders for indiscipline and the talented midfielder trained in the morning before he held a brief discussion with Ncube and left.
Ncube resigned from How Mine last year, a team that he took to the Orange Caf Confederation Cup, making way for Luke Masomere.
BCC Golden Stars mean serious business and are eyeing elevation into the Premier Soccer League (PSL) next year, to become the second local authority side to play in the top flight league, after Harare City,— who were promoted into the country’s elite football league in 2012.
Trials were overseen by interim chairman Jerry Sibanda, who is also Highlanders treasurer, who directed all questions to the city council’s public relations office.
“We are just following protocol. I can only talk to the media if granted the permission by our public relations officer. Even the interim coach will only do so if authorised by PR office. I am still the Highlanders treasurer until such a time when the council makes a resolution to recall me, because this is where I work,” Sibanda said.
Senior public relations officer Nesisa Mpofu was said to be out of office yesterday and will be back at work today.
Over 50 players attended trials under the watchful eye of Ncube and his assistants, all city council employees.
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How Mine midfielder Godfrey Nguwodzawo was also part of the trials. Other players that attended the trials are Qinani “Chroma” Sibanda and Innocent Kutsanzira.
Former Caps United and Quelaton goalkeeper who was at Division One side Plumtree Chiefs last year, Winston Chiwetu, was also in attendance with former Chicken Inn midfielder Bukhosi Ncube.
Chiredzi striker Trevor Ndlovu, former Highlanders striker Bobby Nkomo and Black Boots’ Ntokozo Tshuma attended the trials which continue today.
Another player who is eyeing a move to the side is former Warriors and Highlanders captain Gilbert Banda, whose contract was not renewed by How Mine.
Sources at the council said the city fathers were upbeat about the team being promoted into the PSL and their players will be included in the local authority’s payroll.
Golden Stars were champions in the Zifa Bulawayo Province Division Two league with 55 points and were elevated together with Magwegwe Pirates, who came second on 54 points.
They are joined in the Zifa Southern Region Division One league by Matabeleland North’s Makomo of Hwange and Amagagasi of Victoria Falls.
They will face stiff competition in Division One from perennial contenders Bantu Rovers, Black Boots, Technosphere, Ntabazinduna Prison, ZPC Hwange and Plumtree Chiefs.
