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Ricky Zililo in BULAWAYO
HIGHLANDERS’ activity on the player market is still not yet over with Zimbabwe international defensive midfielder, Danny “Decco” Phiri, set to be the next addition to the club’s squad.
Already in Bosso’s books are Welcome Ndiweni, Joel Ngodzo, Valentine Ndaba, Khumbulani Banda, Njabulo Nyoni, Felix Chindungwe, Kudakwashe Mahachi and Charles Sibanda.

Chicken Inn maintain Phiri is not for sale.

The Gamecocks notified Bosso in writing that they are not interested in discussing the possible transfer of Phiri who has attracted interest from South African clubs Mpumalanga Black Aces, Cape Town’s Milano and Polokwane City.

Pretoria University and Jomo Cosmos are also believed to be interested in the player.

“Phiri is staying at Chicken Inn and the player instructed us to stop talking to Highlanders until his agent (Fortune Chisale) comes next week,” Chicken Inn secretary, Tawengwa Hara, said.

“He has a running contract with Chicken Inn FC.”

Phiri said he wanted to play for Bosso but his club was blocking the move.

“I am training with Chicken Inn but I have made a decision to move to Highlanders but the club is unwilling to let me go,” said Phiri.

“Right now I am waiting for my agent Chisale to come from South Africa so that he speaks to the club. Maybe after that, something may be done.

“I have had a great stay at Chicken Inn, developing into the player I am today but I believe it’s time to move to a bigger team like Highlanders to improve my career.”

His manager, Chisale, who is in South Africa, said the player’s status will be clarified soon.

“I will be in Bulawayo next week to clarify a few things. My client wants to move but things should be done above board and I believe engaging Chicken Inn is the best thing to do.

“Whatever decision will be made, I think at the end of the day it is about what is best for the player and I hope we will reach an amicable decision,” said Chisale.

Bosso are believed to have tabled a bid of US$20 000 for a player rated at US$50 000 by Chicken Inn.

Part of the Bosso deal would have been to share proceeds should Phiri be sold to a foreign club in the future.

His contract with the Gamecocks runs out at the end of the year.

Highlanders chairman Peter Dube confirmed they were in receipt of Chicken Inn’s response but declined to reveal the contents.

“We are still engaging Chicken Inn about the player (Phiri) who expressed his desire to join us through writing to us even if they have said his matter is not negotiable.

“We don’t want to talk much in the Press because this might jeopardise negotiations,” Dube said.