BY FORTUNE MBELE
THE Highlanders executive has expressed shock at goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda Sibanda’s decision to quit the club amid speculation the veteran shotstopper could be moving to Ngezi Platinum Stars.
The Highlanders skipper posted on his Facebook account that he was leaving the Bulawayo giants, a club that he has played for 13 years.
Club chief executive officer Nhlanhla Dube was taken aback by Sibanda’s decision, especially that it came via social media.
“You don’t quit on Facebook. Strangely, that does not sound like Ariel. Ariel doesn’t do that. Ariel doesn’t communicate like that. He does not behave like that. But given that when people are frustrated, they can get to certain levels, but it doesn’t sound like Ariel. His phone is switched off and he has left the team’s WhatsApp group,” Dube said yesterday.
Highlanders spokesperson Ronald Moyo could not be reached for comment.
However, a source said Sibanda could be on his way to Ngezi with his two vice-captains Nqobizitha Masuku and Peter Muduhwa also said to be contemplating leaving the Bulawayo giants.
“Ariel could be joining Ngezi Platinum. There are a number of players who are contemplating leaving Bosso,” the source said.
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In the post, Sibanda said: “I feel very sad as I have to leave a club that I love. I would have loved to say goodbye to a fully packed BF (Barbourfields Stadium), but I am grateful to everyone who loved and supported me during my 13 years with the club. I wish the team a very good season when the league resumes.”
Highlanders players and the technical team reportedly received their last salaries in May.
The players have embarked on an industrial action twice this year, the first during the Chibuku Super Cup when they refused to train and the recent being a sit-in at the club offices where they sought audience with chairman Johnfat Sibanda, but in vain.
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