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FORMER Warriors’ midfield magician Johannes Ngodzo has ended his marriage with Highlanders.
Themba Ndlela, the Highlanders’ chairman confirmed the separation.
“We have parted ways with Johannes. We offered him a one-year contract, which expired at the end of the season. Johannes featured in a few matches last year. So we decided to let him go,” Ndlela said.
“The club no longer have him in its plans. We have to give the youngsters a chance to play,” he added.
Apart from Ngodzo, another old warhorse Richard Choruma retired from football at the end of the season last year.
Striker Nqobile Mpala whose contract expired at the end of last year has refused to renew his contract with Bosso.
“We tried to renew his contract but he turned down our offer,” Ndlela said.
“Apart from the three, there are no major names that left the club,” Ndlela said.
Ngodzo joined Bosso a decade ago and helped them win the championship five times and other silverware.
Ngodzo hogged the limelight with his signature fancy footwork, which kept spectators on the edge of their seats each time he was in possession of the ball. He was also part of the Warriors but suffered a knee injury in 2004. He never rediscovered his old form.
Ndlela said the club was still negotiating with several new players.
“We have not yet finished negotiating with some clubs and individuals that we intend to get for the new season,” Ndlela said.
“We loaned out 17 players so that they get more playing time and earn a decent living. We saw it as unfair to keep them.”
Asked about the availability of Stephen Alimenda and Zephaniah Ngodzo for the forthcoming season, Ndlela said the pair might be available.
“As I speak, the two are still available unless something special happens along the way. If they leave the club, it would be very difficult for us to replace them,” Ndlela said.
The leadership has been under pressure from the membership to sell Zephaniah Ngodzo to Dynamos for the club to pay its debts. DeMbare have tabled a US$30 000 bid for Ngodzo after Bosso had earlier turned down their initial offer of US$20 000.
Ndlela dismissed reports that Bosso were chasing Hwange player Farai Vimisayi.
“We tried to get his services last year and failed. We stopped pursuing him,” he added.
BY BRIAN NKIWANE
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