HIGHLANDERS submitted a list of 29 players to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) as coach Bongani Mafu is said to be working on finalising the squad with sources saying striker Simba Sithole and former skipper Innocent Mapuranga are not part of his plans.
THANDIWE MOYO SPORTS CORRESPONDENT Although last week it was reported the new Highlanders head gaffer had finalised his team, it has emerged that he is still making changes to the side that he submitted to the PSL.
On Sunday Highlanders played a goalless draw against Bulawayo City and most of the players that were in the team are believed to have signed contracts.
Bosso started former Bantu Rovers Nqobizitha Masuku and
while Obadiah Tarumbwa made a comeback to the side that catapulted his career, sending him to Belgium and Cyprus.
After the match on Sunday Mafu said he was happy with the quality of players that he selected.
“I am very happy with the quality of players that we have and I think what they need is the feeling that they are Highlanders players,” he said.
Mafu was expected to inform players after the match about who had made it to the final squad. Those that did not make it would be loaned to other clubs.
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“We will try and find teams where we will plant them, teams like Bulawayo City and Plumtree Chiefs so that we can monitor their progress. We have about 43 players and need 30,” he added.
Mafu said the issue of having 30 players register for the league was limiting as they select 25 senior players and five juniors.
“I think this 30 business is absolutely limiting, I do not think it’s rational. I do not make the rules, but I do not understand how 25 senior players are supposed to carry a team.
“We cannot have a team with five junior players. You get five players you don’t use for a year. I do not understand how you develop. They develop better with their own age group,” he said.
Highlanders chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede confirmed they submitted the list which is still subject to change.
“When we sent the list to PSL, there was a slot for one player. I can, however, confirm that the contracts have been finalised which is part of what we sent to the PSL,” Gumede said.
“It (player limit) is causing a lot of problems. It limits the coaches’ scope and choices. If it’s open you can add others that you feel can make it. As it stands we have a limited number and it is very difficult to choose,” he said.
Gumede would not reveal players that had made the squad saying by late yesterday the coach would give a more definitive answer on his charges.
