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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS striker Lynoth Chikuhwa has poured cold water on reports linking him with a move to South African side, Magesi.
The 2024 Soccer Stars of the Year finalist and Golden Boot winner, who netted 17 goals last season, said he only learnt of the potential transfer through social media and the main stream media.
However, according to South African media outlet FarPost, a deal is being pursued by Magesi.
“I have not spoken to anyone. I am enjoying my holiday and have not been in contact with any South African club.”
Chikuhwa’s contract with Highlanders FC expires on 31 December, fuelling speculation about his future, but he was coy about his next move.
While Magesi are reportedly keen on signing him on a free-transfer in January, newly promoted Zimbabwean side Scottland FC are also said to be in the running for his signature.
Interestingly, Magesi already have two Zimbabweans on their books — goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze and winger Edmore Chirambadare. The duo played a crucial role in the team’s Carling Knockout Cup triumph.
With a career that has taken him to Botswana and back, Chikuhwa was one of the best performers in the league last season.
Chikuhwa’s journey began with the Highlanders juniors where he was also captain.
In 2014, he moved to Tsholotsho and played a key role in helping the club gain promotion to the Premier Soccer League.
He was the team’s top goal-scorer in 2015, finding the back of the net seven times.
In 2016, Chikuhwa made the move to Botswana, joining Premiership side Black Forest.
However, his stay was short-lived, as he was soon snapped up by Security Systems at the start of the 2016/17 season. Chikuhwa scored six goals in 12 starts for Security Systems, before joining Miscellaneous FC of Serowe in 2018.
At Miscellaneous FC, Chikuhwa registered some blistering form, scoring eight goals in nine matches.
Scottland are likely to be the big spenders in this window as they are also said to be after the signatures of Bosso duo, Godfrey Makaruse and McKinnon Mushore.
Scottland recently unveiled midfielder Kingsley Mureremba as their new player.
Several other top players, including Walter Musona, Khama Billiat and Talbert Shumba, are reportedly on their way to Scottland as well.
The future of coach Genesis Mangombe is also hanging in the balance with the club leadership reportedly not trusting he is the right man for the job.
Tonderayi Ndiraya, who is believed not to be renewing his contract with Simba Bhora at the end of the year, is being linked with the Scottland job.
Meanwhile, Joel Luphahla, Dynamos’ assistant coach, is reportedly in line to take over at Simba Bhora.
Luphahla, who recently won the Chibuku Super Cup trophy with the Glamour Boys, has previously worked as head coach at TelOne and as an assistant coach at Highlanders.
In other local transfer rumours Nyasha Gurende who had a good season in the ZPC Kariba defense last season is believed to be on his way to Ngezi Platinum.
The duo of Malvin Mkolo and Arthur Musiyiwa are rumoured to be retracing their footsteps to Bulawayo Chiefs.
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