DEFENDER Andrew “Kabila” Mbeba is still negotiating the terms of his contract with Highlanders, coach Benjani Mwaruwari has revealed.
The defender was a notable absentee from the Highlanders squad for the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season announced last week, despite recently travelling with the team for a pre-season camp in Botswana.
Mbeba’s absence has fuelled speculation over his future at the Bulawayo giants, with reports suggesting the player is demanding improved conditions, including a house, before committing to a new deal.
He was also missing from the squad that drew 1-1 with Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
Mwaruwari, however, expressed hope that the sticking issues in the negotiations will be resolved soon, although he cast doubt on the player’s fitness.
"He is still negotiating his contract. He is with us. I love the fact that he is with us. He is one of the boys who is supportive in training. He wants to work and hopefully the situation will be sorted very soon,” Mwaruwari said.
Keep Reading
- Ngezi stunned by 10-man Herentals in Chibuku Cup
- Ndiraya backs Antonio to impress in Belgium
- CAPS Utd salvage point in four-goal thriller
- Bulawayo City win basement battle
“I don't want to go into players' contracts but what I heard is they are almost done. We are fortunate that he is almost get fit and once the situation is done, I think we will all be happy.”
The Bulawayo giants are also finalising the signing of Zambian striker Isaac Ngoma, who is yet to secure his work permit.
The announced squad includes Mvelo Khoza, who had a good game at right-back on Sunday but was culpable for Bulawayo Chiefs’ first-half goal scored by Zibusiso Dambo.
Other defenders in the squad are Lawrence Mhlanga, who joined Bosso from FC Platinum but was an unused substitute on Sunday, Nomore Chinyerere (Dynamos), Luckmore Mutumbi, Tawanda Shenje (Hwange), Brian Mlotshwa and Archford Faira.
Highlanders have also re-signed former player Kudakwashe Mahachi, who featured briefly towards the end of the match on Sunday.
Other players in the squad include Mongameli Tshuma (Hwange), Rainsome Pavari, Dominic Jaricha, Ackim Nkomo (Bosso 90), Royn Nyamono (Bikita Minerals), Shelton Moyo and Shepard Mhlanga (both from FC Platinum).
The club also retained Darlington Mukuli, Never Rauzhi, Marvin Sibanda and Prince Ndlovu.
If Ngoma secures his paperwork, he will join Nigerian Benjamin Adeogun, Reason Sibanda and Brighton Ncube in attack.
Bosso’s strikeforce appeared lethargic against Chiefs on Sunday even after the introduction of Mahachi and Ncube for Faira and Ndlovu respectively in the dying minutes of the match.
Reward Muza is the first-choice goalkeeper, competing with Pride Zendera and Aaron Ngwenya.
After the draw, Mwaruwari said: “This is the first game of the season. Normally it happens, you need to test where you are. Now we know where we are. We need to work hard and get better.”