‘Mabeleka’ for Bosso first team
HIGHLANDERS are set to promote Bosso 90 coach Melusi “Mabeleka” Sibanda to be part of Kelvin Kaindu’s backroom staff next season.
Bosso recently announced the appointment of Zambian Kaindu as the new head coach following the departure of Brazilian Baltemar Brito.
Warriors coach Brito was in charge of Highlanders for just a season and led them to fifth place, with 55 points from 34 games.
They were 11 behind champions Ngezi Platinum Stars, with the Bulawayo giants having faltered in the second half of the season after going on a fine 17-match unbeaten run in the first period.
Bosso have indicated that the new technical team members are expected to be announced before the pre-season preparations begin.
A highly placed source told Zimpapers Sports Hub that the decision on Sibanda had already been made.
“The executive feels it’s now time the coach took up a bigger challenge, having fared well with the development side, Bosso 90, over the past years,” said the source.
Sibanda, a former Highlanders player, has worked as one of the assistant coaches for the senior team in the past.
Some of the players who have come through Sibanda’s hands at junior level are Tanzania-based Prince Dube, Andrew Mbeba, Adrian Silla, Brian Banda, Mbongeni Ndlovu and Godfrey Makarutse.
In the present senior squad, the likes of Prince Ndlovu, Gillian Nyathi and Darlington Mukuli have all worked under Sibanda at the development side.
It is also being rumoured that former Zimbabwe and Bosso defender Bekithemba Ndlovu is set to make a return to the club.
Ndlovu enjoys a good working relationship with Kaindu.
Other names being linked with the Highlanders technical crew are former players Johannes Ngodzo and Anzilom Ndlovu.
Kaindu returns to Highlanders after being clubless for the last eight months.
He was released by Zambian outfit Zanaco in April.
Apart from Zanaco, Kaindu also coached Nkana Red Devils, their bitter rivals Power Dynamos and Buildcon.
In Zimbabwe, he earlier had stints with Triangle United and How Mine.
Highlanders fans will be hoping that Kaindu will end the club’s frustrating wait for the league championship in his second homecoming.
Bosso were last crowned champions in 2006, under Methembe Ndlovu.
Meanwhile, eccentric goalkeeper Nedric Madeya has quit Hwange and will turn out for Green Fuel in the 2024 season.
The 28-year-old, whose contract comes to an end today, said he had made the decision in the interest of his family.
Madeya said the move was necessitated by the Colliery side’s financial woes.
Several players are owed signing-on fees from 2021 and want out.
Madeya — a former Street Set, LG Vultures, Highlanders and Talen Vision goalkeeper — said he was happy to be joining Green Fuel.
“They are an ambitious side, so am I,” Madeya said.
“I think I am going to a team that yearns for glory and I am in a position to go out there and fight for a position in the starting 11, and help coach Rodwell Dhlakama win things.
“It’s exciting to be going on a new venture with guys I have played against, and we will work together to brand the club and ourselves.
“I want to win things as an individual and also as a team.”
The lanky goalkeeper, who, at one time, made headlines for his famous white towel, is believed to have also been on the radar of newboys Bikita Minerals and Herentals.
He said after helping Hwange gain promotion to the Premiership, he had enjoyed his game at the Colliery, and his 13 clean sheets are what he wants to build on for the future.