HIGHLANDERS left-back Khumbulani Banda has joined South African Absa Premier Soccer League side Maritzburg on a two- year contract according to media reports.
Sports Reporter
Maritzburg was quoted saying they had acquired the former How Mine player on a two year contract.
“The Team of Choice are determined to strengthen its defence for the coming season,” the reports quoted the team saying in a statement yesterday.
“The club has signed 23- year-old Zimbabwean left-back, Khumbulani Banda for two seasons from Highlanders in Zimbabwe. The young defender has featured four times already for the Zimbabwean national team and is considered to be a very skillful defender.”
Highlanders chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede confirmed that Banda had joined Maritzburg.
“The deal is wrapped up. They have agreed on a figure which unfortunately at this point in time I can’t tell you because we are still discussing it,” he said.
“But we have written to say we wish him well and we are glad that this has happened.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“There are a number of players who when they are asked to sign a contract at Highlanders they only sign for one-year fearing that they will fail to move.
“Khumbulani signed a three- year contract with us, hardly ever played for us, but someone had already spotted him and he is gone.
“That is the spirit that the other players ought to have. Highlanders is a grand stage. Only two weeks ago we were playing against Mamelodi Sundowns.
“Which other club played against Sundowns except us Caps United and Dynamos?
“How are you going to be seen running away from Highlanders going to a club that promises heaven and earth when they won’t deliver?” On the length of Banda’s deal Gumede said: “We won’t stay in the way of any player.
“If you have seen greener pastures, leave in a nice manner.
“Banda is going. All we have asked for is that should the player proceed in other words be seen like what happened to Mahachi (Kudakwashe) we would be interested in a percentage.
“We have also asked that should he start playing and that the coach can’t put him aside and he plays in 20 consecutive games can we have consideration for a rise” Banda joins new Maritzburg United acquisitions who include Ghanaian international John Paintsil former Sundowns Kwanda Mngonyama and Sibusiso Khumalo as well as Bhongolwethu Jayiya from Wits.