ZIFA Central Region Division One TelOne right-back Marvelous Chigumira has set his sights on joining Highlanders and has been training with the club since Monday, under the watchful eye of coach Baltemar Brito.
Chigumira (24) was on the radar of some Premier Soccer League clubs last year but TelOne would not release him as they needed his services as they anticipated a quick return to the top league but were beaten to the Division One title by Sheasham.
A source yesterday said Chigumira was at Highlanders at Brito’s behest which was also confirmed by the club’s spokesperson Nozibelo Maphosa.
“He is training and the coaches are assessing him,” Maphosa said.
If signed by Highlanders, the skilful right-back, with a flair for attack, will have to fight for that position with Andrew Mbeba.
Last season, Mbongeni Ndlovu ended the league playing in the centre of the defence alongside Peter Muduhwa following Andrew Tandi’s injury earlier in the season.
Tandi has since fully recovered.
Last year, Highlanders promoted another defender Nigel Ncube from their development side Bosso 90 and have Godfrey Makaruse playing on the left while veteran Pritchard Mpelele is one utility player that the club has used in defence.
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Chigumira’s coming in could have been triggered by Highlanders assistant coach Joel Luphahla, who coached the young defender at TelOne.
Last year, Chigumira attracted the attention of champions FC Platinum, a club he played for in the juniors’ ranks, Chicken Inn and Manica Diamonds.
Brito last year promoted Ncube, Prince Ndlovu, Mason Mushore and Daniel Msendami from Bosso 90 although the latter has permanently moved to Botswana side Jwaneng Galaxy.
Galaxy is home to another Highlanders player Nqobizitha Masuku.
This year, Highlanders have promoted defensive midfielder Gillian Nyathi and have acquired the services of striker Calvin Chigonero on loan from Zifa Southern Region Division One side Talen Vision.
Highlanders parted ways with Masuku, Msendami, Toto Banda, Chrispen Ncube, Bukhosi Sibanda and Muziwakhe Dlamini who have since joined other clubs.
