HIGHLANDERS have been going about their regular business quietly despite engaging former coach Pieter De Jongh amid revelations they have added yet to be identified foreign players to their squad just before the mid-season transfer window closed.
De Jongh is said to have been handed a four months’ contract to guide the team to the end of the season.
However, outgoing club spokesperson Nozibelo Maphosa yesterday implored journalists not to ask any questions regarding De Jongh and the said players, with some of them said to have watched Highlanders in the 0-0 draw against Triangle at Barbourfields Stadium last Thursday.
De Jongh watched Highlanders lose to Caps United at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday and is said to have surreptitiously introduced himself to the players, for which he was chastised by the club.
However, a reliable source said the Dutchman on Wednesday met with the rest of the technical team that included interim coach Try Ncube, assistant Agent Sawu, goalkeepers’ coach Tembo Chuma and the club’s medical team.
“It’s a four months’ contract for De Jongh that runs to the end of the season and today (Wednesday) he met with the technical team; maybe the club is working on his work permit,” the source said.
“There are five new players at the club but not very certain if they came with the coach but they were at BF when Highlanders played Triangle in a mid-week match last week.”
Yesterday, Maphosa, the club spokesperson, said acting chief executive officer Kindman Ndlovu, who was not answering his mobile phone, was tied up on personal business and would not be able to attend a Press conference to answer to club business.
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Maphosa has resigned from club and yesterday was her last working day, while the new substantive Denzil Mnkandla, assumes office today.
Highlanders, on a low since Ncube took over from Zambian Kelvin Kaindu last month, face Ngezi Platinum Stars at BF on Sunday and the gaffer said they are ready for the former champions.
“Training has been going on well since the start of the week and we are hoping to get favourable results this time at Barbourfields,” Ncube said.
“We continue working very hard, we continue trying to work some combinations here and there especially in attack where we have been found wanting.”
He added: “In terms of creating chances we are there but the conversion rate is poor at the moment but we are hopeful this weekend things will go right. It’s an even playing ground.
“These days, form does not count. We are playing at home, we are Highlanders. We know what we have to do and we will do that definitely and that is fight for the badge and get favourable results.”
Under Ncube, Highlanders have played six matches, winning once against Green Fuel at BF, lost thrice to MWOS at home, Scottland and to Caps United away and have played two draws to Kwekwe United away and Triangle at BF.
On position nine with 28 points with 11 games to go, the Bulawayo giants are not safe from the danger zone as Yadah, on the relegation cut-off point, are on 24 points, just a win and a draw away from Highlanders.
