ZVISHAVANE - Njabulo Ncube became the latest player to dump Bulawayo giants Highlanders after signing for FC Platinum yesterday.
Midfielder Masimba Mambare dominated headlines this week after making a shock switch to bitter rivals Dynamos.
And now striker Ncube, who was the club’s top goal scorer with 10 goals last season has decided that his future lies elsewhere.
Like Mambare, Ncube had also pledged his allegiance to Bosso in press interviews at the end of last season.
Platinum media liaison officer Chido Chizondo refuted claims yesterday that the forward had already put pen to paper at the Zvishavane club, saying the club was waiting to get clearance from Highlanders for Ncube, who is a free agent.
“It’s not true that we have already signed Njabulo. Yes we are interested in him, the negotiations are still at a preliminary stage, he is getting his clearance and then we negotiate,” said Chizondo
An insider at Platinum however confirmed that the 2011 Castle Premiership runners-up have already captured Ncube.
“Njabulo has agreed everything with the club; he has been here in Zvishavane since morning and has been at the club’s offices. The deal is just as good as done and Njabulo will be donning the FC Platinum jersey next year,” said the source.
Ncube’s contract with Highlanders expired at the end of last year and with the Highlanders executive dragging its feet on a new contract, the player approached Platinum who offered him a better deal.
A source in the Highlanders camp also confirmed that Ncube requested his clearance early this week to enable Platinum to sign him. Highlanders also risk losing three of their senior players, who are out of contract.
The future of goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya as well as midfielders Milton Ncube and Peter Moyo is uncertain.
Moyo and Ncube have been linked with champions Dynamos while Diya is still awaiting response from South African club Golden Arrows, where he underwent trials late last year.
Highlanders have however signed Khumbulani Banda, Welcome Ndiweni and Valentine Ndaba, who join as free agents from How Mine, FC Platinum and Shabanie Mine respectively.
Joel Ngodzo, who was also released by Platinum, is believed to be finalising negotiations with the Bulawayo giants.
Bosso have also reportedly agreed terms with Warriors defender Eric Chipeta and midfielder Charles Sibanda, who is out of contract at Platinum.