Story by Mthokozisi Dube
HIGHLANDERS F.C are working to secure a new contract for club captain Andrew Mbeba as negotiations continue ahead of the transfer window deadline at the end of the month.
Mbeba, now in his sixth season with the Bulawayo giants, has been a central figure in the team’s defence and was appointed captain last season. His journey with Bosso traces a steady rise through the club ranks, from serving as a ball boy to becoming one of the team’s most dependable players.
Despite his status within the squad, the defender has yet to feature for Highlanders this season amid a contractual impasse with the club.
The Zimbabwe national football team defender is reportedly seeking a house as part of his signing-on package before committing to a new deal.
Highlanders chief executive officer Denzel Mnkandla confirmed that discussions between the club and the player are ongoing.
Mbeba is understood to be approaching the negotiations cautiously after previous contract talks in which some obligations were reportedly not fully honoured.
As talks continue, the defender has already missed Bosso’s appearance in the Jairos Jiri Charity Cup and the league opener against Bulawayo Chiefs F.C.
Should the stalemate persist, Mbeba could also miss the upcoming away fixture against Dynamos F.C.
Within the club structure, long-serving goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda has already transitioned into a role within the technical team, leaving Mbeba’s contract situation as one of the key unresolved matters in the Bosso setup.
The defender’s request for housing as part of his package is not without precedent at the club. Previous Highlanders administrations secured houses for former players, including Bekithemba Ndlovu, who was part of the club’s championship-winning side in 2001 alongside players such as Honour Gombami and Tapuwa Kapini.
Other local clubs have also incorporated similar incentives into player contracts. Cross-town rivals Bulawayo Chiefs F.C have previously offered houses as part of signing-on agreements for players.
With the transfer window deadline approaching, Highlanders face mounting pressure to reach an agreement and ensure the club captain returns to the pitch.
