HIGHLANDERS will not renew Simba Sithole’s contract which expired on June 30 and are replacing him with young Obert Tafira in the mid-season Zifa transfer window period that opened on Wednesday. BY FORTUNE MBELE
The former How Mine striker, who had a short stint with South Africa’s Ajax Cape Town, came back home to join Highlanders mid last year on a one-year contract.
Sithole played a few minutes in the game against Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium last Sunday.
However, Bosso gaffer Bongani Mafu yesterday confirmed that Sithole is being released together with left back Julius Daudi, who only played one match for the Bulawayo giants.
“We are releasing Simba Sithole, his contract has expired. I have discussed with the executive on one or two players who have just been training and not getting game time. We need to work out how you balance your contract and your performance,” Mafu said.
Mafu dismissed reports that skipper Felix Chindungwe and midfielder Welcome Ndiweni were also on their way out
“I don’t know where that is coming from,” Mafu said, in dismissing the reports.
Mafu said Tafira (17), who has signed with Highlanders and has been training with the club, is not available for selection when Bosso meets Triangle at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday as he is yet to be registered with the Premier Soccer League.
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Highlanders are hoping to recall defender Peter Muduhwa, whom they signed at the beginning of the season and loaned to Southern Region Soccer League (PSL) side Bulawayo Chiefs.
“We loaned Muduhwa to Chiefs and I want to see how the player has developed,” Mafu said.
Mafu is not happy with his defence saying his plans for the central defence had revolved around Douglas Sibanda and Teenage Hadebe, but the former sustained an injury.
A porous defence manifested in the league match against Dynamos with Erick Mudzingwa and Honest Moyo in central defence.
Mafu fell out with Chindungwe following his poor performance in the 1-2 defeat to Chicken Inn in May at Barbourfields and the 2-2 draw against FC Platinum at Mandava.
Chindungwe has been on the sidelines after those two matches and Mafu said he has to compete for the first team jersey and he is impressed the former Warriors defender is improving and could be back for the Triangle tie.
The Uefa B badge holder declared his liking for former captain Innocent Mapuranga, who has since been seconded to Tsholotsho FC, saying age had disadvantaged the steely defender.
Also on Mafu’s radar in the transfer period is Bulawayo Chiefs’ striker Ishmael Wadi, but the Bosso coach says he will have to beat Chicken Inn to it as the PSL log leaders are also chasing the 22-year-old forward.
