Bosso target Gilbert Banda, Ngodzo

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HIGHLANDERS are reportedly targeting the return of former skipper Gilbert Banda, Zephania Ngodzo or Brighton Dube before the mid-season transfer window closes on Thursday to fill in the gap of right-back position which has remained problematic.

HIGHLANDERS are reportedly targeting the return of former skipper Gilbert Banda, Zephania Ngodzo or Brighton Dube before the mid-season transfer window closes on Thursday to fill in the gap of right-back position which has remained problematic.

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Midfielder Erick Mudzingwa played right-back on Sunday ahead of the regular Simon Munawa who has struggled in that flank.

Following the goalless draw against Bantu Rovers on Sunday at Barbourfields Stadium, Highlanders head coach Kelvin Kaindu said in a post-match interview that the Bulawayo giants would be making two more additions to the squad, but could not be drawn to reveal the names of players.

He, however, said the two players would be unveiled next week after the necessary paperwork had been concluded.

Also on Highlanders’ radar is Bantu Rovers midfielder Nqobizitha Masuku while Banda and Dube are with city rivals How Mine. Quizzed if he would be making additions to the squad after the signing of former Chiredzi utility player Tapiwa Dephistara, who did not feature in Sunday’s game, the Zambian gaffer said two more players to join Highlanders would be announced next week.

“We are expecting one or two names which will be announced next week. Unfortunately we cannot disclose the names. It is still a bit confidential right now until everything is done on paper,” he said.

On title hopes, Kaindu, who has watched the championship slip to Dynamos from under his nose on goal difference twice since he joined Bosso in 2012, said it was still a long way to go after being held to 0-0 draw by Bantu Rovers. Dynamos came from behind to beat Caps United 2-1 in another derby in Harare.

“We are still a long way. For us to have got four points from a local derby is not that bad. If you look at the way we played last season in terms of derbies that is where we dropped so many points. As much as we wanted to get the three points today (Sunday) four points (from two matches) is not bad,” he said.

Bosso struggled for the better part of the game against troubled Bantu Rovers, who could easily have collected maximum points, but were hard done by poor match officiating by Matabeleland North-based referee Bekezela Makeka.

“We had planned that we dominate the game from the first whistle. We were a far better side than we were in the first round, but unfortunately we did not get the goal. We wanted to get to the break with a goal or two up. I think we did quite well in terms of breaking especially on the fronts, but it’s just the final pass that was lacking. It is one thing that we have been working on. It is just the composure in just giving the final pass,” Kaindu said.

Ozias Zibande and Knox Mutizwa, replaced by Cleopas Dube and the promising young Godfrey Makaruse in the 67th minute, were out of touch with the game, stifling Bosso’ fluidity.

Bantu Rovers introduced new signing Dalubuhle Moraka who displayed some deft touches and is one player who certainly has a bright future as Tshintsha Guluva was better on passing and on the offensive.

The Premier Soccer League returnees were denied what looked like a clear penalty in the 27th minute when Moses Majika was hacked down by Bosso central defender Dumisani Ndlovu.

Coach Methembe Ndlovu, who was given marching orders by Makeka in the 31st minute said it was unfortunate that they could not get the maximum points after giving the best shot in match. Defender Hebert Dick was also shown the red card by Makeka just before the final whistle.

Match Day 17 Friday: Harare City vs Chiredzi (Rufaro, Live on SuperSport 9, 3pm) Saturday: ZPC Kariba vs Hwange (Gwanzura, Live on SuperSport 9, 3pm), FC Platinum vs Chapungu (Mandava) Sunday: Caps United vs Chicken Inn (Live on SuperSport 9, 3pm), Buffaloes vs Shabanie Mine (Sakubva), Highlanders vs How Mine (Barbourfields), Black Rhinos vs Dynamos (Rimuka), Triangle vs Bantu Rovers (Gibbo)