Welcome Ndiweni pens Bosso deal

By Ricky Zililo

BULAWAYO soccer giants Highlanders made their first off-season acquisition when midfielder Welcome “Waroowa” Ndiweni completed his return to the club on Friday after penning a two-year deal.

Ndiweni joins the 2013 Mbada Diamonds Cup winners following the expiry of his contract with FC Platinum tomorrow.

In an interview yesterday, the 25-year-old ginger-haired midfielder confirmed signing a deal with Highlanders and said he is happy to have retraced his roots back to Bosso.

“I am now a Highlanders player and I can’t wait to start training in January. It is good to be back at home and after my stay at FC Platinum, I think I have matured with age, have gained some experience and I am looking forward to my stay at Bosso.

“You know they always say home is best and as such I am happy to be back at home. I met the club’s secretary Andrew Tapela and we agreed on everything,” said Ndiweni.

By signing Ndiweni, Bosso beat Chicken Inn who were reportedly interested in the player.

Ndiweni left Highlanders at the end of the 2010 season after the club then under Mkhuphali Masuku decided not to renew his contract and the player left for Masvingo United who he turned out for a season.

At the beginning of 2012, Ndiweni, who had had a terrific season for Masvingo United, was lured by FC Platinum and signed a two-year deal with the Zvishavane club, reuniting with his former Highlanders teammate and close friend Joel Ngodzo.

On his return to Highlanders, Ndiweni said he opted out of FC Platinum because he believes the Bulawayo giants have what it takes to challenge for honours.

“I have been following Highlanders closely and their type of play is marvelous. I have seen some of the players in their squad developing into better players under Kelvin Kaindu. You could see that the guys were freely expressing themselves and they had the zeal to fight for each other on the field of play.

“I know that there are a number of good players at Highlanders and some will ask why am I coming to a club that has talented players and my answer is that I am coming to Highlanders to compete for a regular starting place.

“Competition is healthy for a player and for me to succeed in my career, I have to compete with the best and I believe the best are at Highlanders. I want to be part of history, to be part of the squad that will bring glory to Highlanders after years of being eluded by the championship,” said Ndiweni.

He will have to fight for a starting place with the likes of Simon Munawa, Peter “Rio” Moyo, Knox Mutizwa and Mthulisi Maphosa.

Ndiweni is hopeful that Ngodzo and FC Platinum want-away striker Charles Sibanda will also join Bosso.

“I cannot talk for Charles and Josta but it is my wish that the two come to Highlanders. Actually during our last six months at FC Platinum we spoke about coming back to Bulawayo and I am sure that they will make up their minds soon and come to Highlanders,” said Ndiweni.

Highlanders are also keen on bringing Khumbulani Banda from How Mine.

Banda’s contract with the gold miners runs out tomorrow midnight.

Contacted for comment, Highlanders secretary Andrew Tapela could not be drawn into confirming his club’s latest acquisitions.

“Unfortunately I cannot make any comments regarding our recruitment until we have held our executive meeting and I am asked to do so,” said Tapela.

The club’s chairman Peter Dube said the club would be lip-tied on the players that they want.

“We are on holiday but we are still working right round the clock with the secretary doing all he can to make sure that we have the players that we need. I think it will be unfair to comment on new players coming in because we still have players that have been with the club who we have to iron a few things with them.

“When everything is done, we will issue a statement,” said Dube. The Chronicle