Ngodzo completes DeMbare move

By Roy Matiki

Highlanders’ captain Zephania Ngodzo’s move to Harare giants Dynamos has been completed and he is now expected to join his new teammates next week.

The country’s two biggest clubs are now just tying the loose ends of the deal before Ngodzo travels to the capital and join DeMbare on a permanent basis. Dynamos team manager Nyika Chifamba yesterday confirmed the move and said this would be a morale booster in the Dynamos camp ahead of their African Champions League first round assignment next month.

Ngodzo was registered by Dynamos in their squad for the African Champions League. DeMbare mentor Elvis Chiweshe, a long time admirer of Ngodzo, made numerous trips to Bulawayo to try and convince the Highlanders executive to release the player.

Club secretary-general Stan Kasukuwere has been working tirelessly in the past three weeks to try and secure Ngodzo’s signature. The Bosso hierarchy was divided over the sale of Ngodzo as some opposed his release.

Themba Ndlela, Highlanders chairman, said after an emergency club meeting it was agreed that Ngodzo move to Dynamos and gave the Harare giants some conditions that Chifamba could also not reveal. Ngodzo has a running contract with Bosso that expires on December 31 this year.

“We are happy that we have finally agreed with Highlanders to release their key player Ngodzo. I can confirm that he will be joining his new colleagues next week. “The deal to bring him is complete and we are just tying the loose ends. His move has the full blessings of Highlanders and it makes life easy for Ngodzo.

“I want to applaud Bosso for the manner they handled the transfer. They understood that we will be representing Zimbabwe in the African Safari. It’s also a platform for Ngodzo to catch the attention of scouts. “This is an example of how we enjoy cordial relations with Highlanders as they are our brothers.

“We agreed that if Bosso want any of our players, the targeted player would be released,” Chifamba said. Despite Ngodzo’s move to DeMbare, Highlanders still have enough cover at the back. They can count on Gilbert Banda who makes a return after lengthy absence due to injury and Bekithemba Ndlovu who had a stint with Bantu Rovers last season.

There is also Brighton Dube, Brighton Choto, Lawson Nkomo, former Lancashire Steel left back Gladmore Tembo, who failed to make the grade at CAPS United and Gift Lunga (junior). In a related development, the Njube Sundo-wns duo of midfielder Thabani Kamusoko and striker Dylan Chivandire is expected to arrive in the capital today and start training on Monday.

Kamusoko and Chivandire signed two-year contracts with the Harare giants. Dynamos mentor Chiweshe can now heave a sigh of relief as he has managed to bring to the club most of the players that he wanted. The Herald