Taddy Manyepo/ Kevin Mapasure
ZIMBABWE’S most decorated player Peter Ndlovu will make his long- awaited return to domestic football, but in the less fashionable Division One League next season after his proposed loan spell to Black Mambas hit a snag.
IndependentSport has established that Highfield United, who signed the former Warriors captain during the off-season break, are failing to agree terms with Mambas — who narrowly survived the chop from the top-flight league last season — over Ndlovu and four other players.
The other players are Benjamin Marere, Washington Arubi, Protash Kabwe and Fortune Ncube.
In an interview this week, Highfield United manager Wilson Mutekede said that it should not come as a surprise that the players will be playing Division One football this season.
“As far as we know, all the players are eligible to play for Highfield United in Division One next season,” said Mutekede. “As I speak there is no deal between the two teams, all the players can play for us here — they are our players. People have to understand that Highfield United and Black Mambas are two different teams and if they cannot meet our demands we are keeping the players here.”
Mutekede declined to reveal the demands.
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Black mambas chairman Joseph Madzimuirema confirmed that no deal had yet been struck, but expressed optimism that they would sign the players.“Negotiations are on, but nothing has yet materialised. We, however, hope that something can be agreed on in time for the players to start preparations with the rest of the squad,” he said.
The players are all currently training with Highfield United as the team gears up to challenge for a Premier League place.
The Division One side has been splashing cash on the transfer market attracting some of the top players and the surprise swoop on Ndlovu, who had seemingly been destined for Dynamos.
Ndlovu has since been offered a brand new Mercedes Benz, which is yet to be delivered, by his new paymasters after signing a lucrative deal at Highfield.
On top of other hefty perks, the ex-Coventry City winger will be accommodated in a five-bedroom house in Harare.
