By Kudakwashe Kutinyo
The domestic football season has drawn to a close, and several standout performers have caught the eye of football teams eager to bolster their squads ahead of the upcoming season.
Two main strikers stole the limelight this season through their continuous net busting form helping their teams attain crucial points in the quest for glory.
Lynoth Chikuhwa the Castle Lager Premier League top goal scorer with 17 goals attracted the attention of South African based outfit Magesi FC who are eager to secure his signature and bolster their squad already with fellow countrymen on fire Elvis Chipezeze and Edmore Chirambadare.
The South African based outfit was outdone by newly promoted Scottland FC who seemed to have presented a better offer for the league’s top goal scorer.
Lynoth Chikuhwa endured a dismal season last year, scoring a meagre two goals, which infuriated the Highlanders faithful. The fans’ frustration reached a boiling point, with many calling for Chikuhwa’s departure, alongside Stanley Ngala and Washington Navaya, who had already been let go at the start of the season.
In a surprise move, newly appointed head coach Kelvin Kaindu intervened on Chikuhwa’s behalf, requesting that the forward be retained by the club. This unexpected reprieve effectively granted Chikuhwa a second chance, and his contract was subsequently renewed for an additional year, set to expire at the end of the 2024 season.
Elsewhere in the Southern Region Division One young Mbongeni Minezhi is on demand as teams are scrambling for his signature after a trailblazing season that saw him claim the golden boot award.
Minezhi emerged as the top goal scorer, claiming the Golden Boot award with an impressive 17 goals. He edged out veteran striker Justin Kaunda of ZPC Hwange, who had led the scoring chart for most of the season, only to be overtaken by Minezhi in a thrilling finale.
Justin Kaunda, the seasoned striker from ZPC Hwange, ended the season with an impressive 15 goals. His outstanding performance played a pivotal role in securing his team’s promotion to the Premier League.
Premier League football clubs Scottland, Highlanders, Herentals, ZPC Kariba and Chicken Inn have shown signs of interest for the young top marksman who is currently attached at Bulawayo City with a running contract.
Soccer legend and analyst Mayfield Daka weighed in on the young striker’s prospects, cautioning that he still requires significant development before making a high-profile transfer that could make or break him.
“I think he should play for teams like Highlanders at first glance. The right decision is to play for a team which will support him grow as a player and achieve his goals. Highlanders boasts young players who are hungry for success”, said Daka.
Unlike Chikuhwa, young forward Minezhi will not be leaving for free, as he is still bound by a contract with Bulawayo City. As a result, any potential move will likely involve either a loan deal or a transfer sale, with his current team poised to entertain better offers.
Insider sources have revealed that Bulawayo City and Scotland FC have already reached an agreement, paving the way for Minezhi to join the ambitious Mabvuku-based outfit, Scottland FC on a yet to be disclosed fee.
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