Former Highlanders marksman Ralph Matema could make a dramatic comeback to the team that gave him fame as Bosso are likely to field him against Caps United in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) match at the giant National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
BY FORTUNE MBELE
Matema has since received his clearance from the South African Football Association (Safa).
Coincidentally, Matema was an instant hit in the league after having made his debut for Highlanders against the same opponents in 2004, where he scored a memorable brace before seeing red.
The match ended three-all.
Matema (33), who made his mark for Bosso in the 2006 championship-winning team coached by Methembe Ndlovu before packing his bags to join Orlando Pirates in South Africa, has been training with Highlanders for the past three weeks.
The forward is likely to partner leading scorer Knox Mutizwa and Obadiah Tarumbwa in his first game for Highlanders.
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Highlanders chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede confirmed Matema has been cleared by Safa from his former club, First National Division side Witbank Spurs, in South Africa.
Gumede said Matema, the 2006 top goalscorer with 19 goals, had also acquired his PSL licence although he did not spell out his deal with Highlanders.
“Ralph is sorted out. If they (coaches) want to use him, they can. We have acquired the PSL licence,” Gumede said.
His International Transfer Certificate from Safa read: “We certify that, in accordance with the provision of the Fifa Regulation on the status and transfer of players, the player Ralph Ticharwa Matema . . . formerly a member of the Witbank Spurs, having duly fulfilled his obligations both towards his former club and our association, is, therefore, free to pursue sports activities and register with any another association affiliated to Fifa.”
However, Bosso head coach Amini Soma-Phiri is concerned about the player’s match fitness.
“The only worry is match fitness, that’s if he is going to be picked. We are still to assess him further as we have been training with him for the past three weeks,” Soma-Phiri said.
Matema failed to make a mark at the Buccaneers and went on to join National First Division side Witbank Spurs and was also targeted by South African Premiership-promoted side Jomos Cosmos, but opted to return home.
Midfielder Erick Mudzingwa and left-back Honest Moyo have been ruled out of the match against the Green Machine, with Douglas Sibanda, Rahman Kutsanzira and King Nadolo doubtful due to injuries, but the three will have to pass late fitness tests.
Another big boost for Highlanders is the return of defender Teenage Hadebe and midfielder Nqobizitha Masuku who were in Congo-Brazzaville with the Under-23 Young Warriors for the Africa Games.
