FC Platinum have beaten Ngezi Platinum Stars to the signature of Highlanders defender Mbongeni Ndlovu who will join the Zvishavane-based club as a free agent when his contract expires at the end of this month.
The highly rated centre-back was on the radar of several Premier Soccer League teams after a stellar season with Bosso, where he forged a good partnership with Peter Muduhwa in central defence.
A source yesterday told NewsDay Sport that the 25-year-old signed a pre-contract with the Norman Mapeza-coached side and will formally join the former champions on January 1 next year.
“A number of clubs were interested in his signature. Some of the clubs dangled Caf continental football in front of him, but it was FC Platinum who offered a better deal. Of all the clubs that showed interest, he felt that FC Platinum gives him a better chance to develop into a good player,” the source said.
FC Platinum spokesperson Chido Chizondo refused to comment on the issue.
“We don't talk about players who are contracted to other clubs,” Chizondo said.
Ndlovu‘s handler Trust Nyambiya could not be reached for a comment, but he is on record saying they were considering several offers for the defender after being frustrated by Highlanders‘ reluctance to extend the contract.
“We signed a two-year contract with Highlanders in 2021, which is lapsing on December 31. Normally when a player’s contract is due to expire, the club engages six months before and we expected that from Highlanders, but they are quiet,” Nyambiya told NewsDay Sport a fortnight ago.
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“There are some clubs that have made offers but we are waiting to hear from Highlanders, and we will give them up to December 31.”
At the time, Ndlovu also confirmed that Highlanders have not shown any intention or interest to retain his services.
“Highlanders have not approached me yet, but I cannot say much about the future. It’s just contacts that have not materialised, I will hear what Highlanders have to say,” Ndlovu said.
The defender was one of the key players at Highlanders as they led the premier league race for the better part of the season before faltering in the homestretch.
Bosso eventually finished fifth in a season they went 19 games unbeaten.
Defending champions FC Platinum finished third.
Sources said they will be looking to raid the market to bolster their squad as they bid to win the league again.
The sources said they are lining up at least four players, including Ndlovu's teammate Brighton Manhire.
