Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Innocent Kurira
HIGHLANDERS are believed to be on the verge of signing Sheasham goalkeeper Elton Sibanda, amid ongoing contract talks with their veteran goal minder and captain Ariel Sibanda.
According to sources, the Bosso technical team has identified Elton as a potential replacement for Ariel whose contract expired last year.
While the coaches allegedly don’t plan to use Ariel in the coming season, the club leadership wants him to continue playing or to take up a coaching role in the junior structures.
Fondly known as Mangoye to hordes of Bosso fans, Ariel (35) has been offered a development side goalkeeper’s trainer role, recognising his 15 years of service to the club if he doesn’t play next season.
Highlanders and Sheasham are believed to be having positive talks over Elton.
Highlanders communications officer Nozibelo Maphosa confirmed that the club was negotiating a new contract with their former captain but declined to comment on potential new signings.
“The club is still negotiating a new contract deal with Ariel Sibanda,” said Maphosa.
Elton, who has played for Bantu Rovers, Indlovu Iyanyathela, Talen Vision, and Bulawayo City, will compete with Reward Muza and Raphael Pitisi for the first-team jersey if signed.
Highlanders began their pre-season training last week with no new players. This follows the departure of Godfrey Makaruse, Marvelous Chigumira, Peter Muduhwa, and Lynoth Chikuhwa who all joined free spending newboys Scottland FC, and Andrew Tandi, who has since joined Caps United.
Bosso also parted ways with goalkeepers coach Daniel Khumalo who is now with Simba Bhora. Some of the players that have been spotted in the early stages of Bosso’s pre-season programme include Talent Dube, Andrew Mbeba, Brian Mlotshwa, Arthur Ndlovu, Mvelo Khoza, Gillian Nyathi, Mayibongwe Ndlovu, Melikhaya Ncube, Marvin Sibanda, Darlington Mukuli, Honest Mhlanga, Mason Mushore, Brian Ndlovu, Prince Ndlovu, Nigel Banda, Brighton Ncube, Reason Sibanda and Ackim Nkomo,a mong others.
