HIGHLANDERS coach Benjani Mwaruwari has dismissed speculation that Mongameli "Smaller" Tshuma is on his way out of the club, insisting the midfielder remains a Bosso player despite growing interest in his services.
Tshuma has been linked with a move away from Highlanders during the mid-season transfer window, with local clubs reportedly monitoring his situation.
Caps United are among the teams believed to be keen on signing the highly-rated midfielder.
Speaking after Highlanders' 1-0 victory over Scottland at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday, Mwaruwari said Tshuma remains an important member of his squad.
"He is a Highlanders player. You will hear the rumours but they are not fact. The fact is that he is here. He is one of us, the rest we will talk about when he leaves but for now he is with us," Mwaruwari said.
The former Warriors captain, however, acknowledged that the club would not stand in the player's way should the right opportunity arise.
"When the right club and the right offer comes we will never stop him. I always talk to him. As a player you wish to go and do well at a new club. I was a player as well. I left here and went to Jomo Cosmos and that was a right move and from there I went to Switzerland. He is one of the most important players. We need to deal with him well."
Mwaruwari's remarks underline Highlanders' desire to retain one of their standout performers while recognising that players have ambitions to further their careers.
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Tshuma has been one of Bosso's key players this season and his performances have inevitably attracted interest from rival clubs.
His energy, creativity and versatility have made him a vital cog in Mwaruwari's rebuilding project at Highlanders.
While the coach remains keen to keep Tshuma at the club, he believes players should be allowed to pursue opportunities that are beneficial to both themselves and their clubs.
For now, however, Mwaruwari has made it clear that Tshuma remains a Highlanders player as Bosso seek to build on their morale-boosting victory over log leaders Scottland.
Tshuma played a blinder in the victory over Scottland, providing the assist for Nigerian Benjamin Adeogun's 25th minute goal that buried the log leaders and defending Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions.
