FC PLATINUM are on the verge of snatching creative Bantu Rovers midfielder Nqobizitha Masuku for the 2015 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) season.
THANDIWE MOYO SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
Masuku was Bantu Rovers captain and one of their most versatile players. He has been linked to a number of clubs in the past, but FC Platinum are favourites to land his signature.
By late afternoon yesterday, Masuku was waiting for results of his assessment which was conducted yesterday.
“We have not signed him yet, but he went through an assessment today (yesterday),” said FC Platinum media liaison officer Chido Chizondo yesterday. “We are waiting for the results of that assessment.
“By the end of the day today (yesterday) the results of the assessment will be out. We do want the player.”
Sources privy to the deal between FC Platinum and Bantu Rovers said the deal was almost complete.
“Both clubs have reached an agreement and there are few loose ends to tie up,” said the source.
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“Masuku is a good player and he is likely to have the much-needed exposure at FC Platinum. There is one more document that Platinum are still to sign.”
Relations between the two clubs are good with Bantu having transferred the impressive twins Kelvin and Elvis Moyo to the Zvishavane side last season where they excelled, even to the extent of pushing out experienced left-back Qadr Amin.
Just two weeks ago, Highlanders were after the Bantu Rovers captain’s signature having written to the Tshintsha Guluva executive with regards signing him on.
Bantu Rovers general manager Wilbert Sibanda was quoted saying their goal was to get Masuku outside the country.
“I will stand guided by the technical team to find out if he is in their plans for the 2015 season, but our goal as Bantu Rovers would be to try and find a better opportunity for Masuku outside the country,” said Sibanda.
Platinum have not been too busy in the current transfer window having only signed Wellington Kamudyariwa, Brian Muzondiwa and Emmanuel Mandiranga to beef up their squad for the Caf Confederation Cup.
They have kept the core of the team that made a four-trophy haul last season and pushed them to fourth sport. They won the CG Msipa Charity Shield and Independence Trophy with Lloyd Mutasa before Norman Mapeza took over and added the ZNA Charity Shield and the prestigious Chibuku Super Cup.
Masuku, who turns 22 on June 7, has had a taste of international exposure when he went to Belgium for trials at Cercle Brugge, which was home to former Highlanders stars Vusumuzi Nyoni and Honour Gombami.
He had trials with German Bundesliga outfit Borussia VFL Monchengladbach.
Chicken Inn are believed to have been eyeing his signature. He played for the Under-20 national team and made his debut for the Warriors when they played Mozambique at Barbourfields Stadium on December 8 2013 coached by Ian Gorowa and is also a member of the Under-23 Young Warriors coached by Kalisto Pasuwa.
Another Bantu Rovers player who was linked with a move to Highlanders is Young Warriors defender Teenage Hadebe who was Masuku’s teammate at Bantu Rovers.
How Mine indicated that they were holding talks with Hadebe and he was likely to have signed for the Metallon Gold-sponsored side by Tuesday.
With Bantu Rovers having been demoted to the southern region Division One League, some of their most talented players have been targeted by PSL clubs.
