Bantu Rovers midfielder moves to Highlanders

YOUNG Warriors’ midfielder Denzel Khumalo has completed his dream move to Highlanders from Bantu Rovers on a swap deal.

Khumalo (18), who has been training with Bosso since last month, impressed coach Erol Akbay during their pre-season camp held in Polokwane, South Africa, last month.

The attacking midfielder’s swap deal saw Bosso releasing young striker McCarthy Dube, who is also an Under-20 international, to Rovers.

Highlanders’ secretary-general Emmett Ndlovu described Khumalo’s move as a “fair deal”.

He defended the move to ship out Dube at a time when Bosso have been crying for a striker.

“Denzel Khumalo is now a Highlanders player, his deal was concluded last week when I was away. However, please note that this was a fair deal.

“There are some critics who feel it’s wrong to let the striker go, but we only acted on the technical team’s recommendations.

“We just did the administrative part of getting the player that the technical team wanted. People must understand that we do the administrative part and leave the technical stuff to the technical team,” said Ndlovu.

Rovers’ general manager Wilbert Sibanda said they were happy with the deal.

“We’re happy with the deal which we feel is fair. When Denzel told us of his intentions to play for Bosso, we couldn’t stand in his way. His heart is at Highlanders and we believe he can develop to his full potential at Bosso.

“McCarthy is a youngster whom we feel will easily adapt to our young squad that is preparing for the PSL. We wish the two youngsters the best with their new clubs,” said Sibanda.

Ndlovu and Sibanda could not be drawn into commenting on the “fair” part of the deal, but sources said Highlanders and Rovers stand to handsomely benefit should any of the players move within three years.

“It’s a good deal for both sides. For example, if Bantu Rovers are to sell McCarthy in his first year, Highlanders stand to get about a quarter of his transfer fee and that’s the same if Denzel is sold.

“The percentage decreases with every passing year, but that clause is only valid for three years,” the source said.

Meanwhile, Akbay welcomed Khumalo’s arrival at Bosso.

“I like his style and I think he can help the team. He has to quickly learn our style of play and as a youngster, I don’t think he will take long to adapt,” said Akbay.

Khumalo, who inspired Zimbabwe to a gold medal at the African Union Sports Council Region Five Under-20 Games held in Angola last December, will compete for a starting place with veterans Rahman Kutsanzira and Simon Munawa, King Nadolo, Adrian Silla, Godfrey Makaruse and Bukhosi Ncube at Bosso. — @Zililo