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Posted Thursday, 14 January 2010 08:08
HIGHLANDERS have turned down Dynamos’ US$20 000 offer for club captain Zephaniah Ngodzo, which could have seen him become the most expensive player in the land.
The Harare giants put together the package from funds raised by well-wishers and its marketing committee with coach, Elvis Chiweshe assigned to negotiate with Highlanders over the weekend.
Chiweshe was in Bulawayo over the weekend to meet Highlanders officials, but the Bosso executive chaired by Themba Ndlela refused to budge with sources saying the club feared a backlash from members.
Highlanders will have their annual general meeting on 31 January to elect a vice chairman and treasurer.
Ngodzo, together with midfielder Stephen Alimenda were registered with Dynamos for the 2010 edition of the Africa Champions League, even before the Harare side had communicated with the Bulawayo giants.
Highlanders coach Mohammed Fathy, on arrival from Egypt last week, stated that the duo will not leave the club as he was chasing the league title.
Alimenda signed a two-year contract extension last November while Ngodzo’s deal expires on 31 December 2010.
Dynamos manager Nyika Chifamba confirmed that they have been talking to Highlanders over Ngodzo with an offer of a loan deal if a permanent arrangement cannot be reached.
“We have not given up. We are hoping to put together another proposal by the end of the week and speak to them again.
“We want to make an impact and act according to the coach’s wishes about the players he wants for the Champions League campaign,” Chifamba said.
Highlanders’ secretary, Andrew Tapela could not release details of their meeting with Chiweshe, but said: “We told them Ngodzo and anyone else needed by our coach for the season is not for sale.”
Sources close to Highlanders though, said the cash strapped Bulawayo side wanted Dynamos to up their figure to $50 000 and are prepared to release the player on a permanent deal rather than on loan.
It is now understood that a meeting between the club executive and the Board of Directors is being organised before the AGM where a deal could be ironed out before being presented to the club’s members for approval.
If it deal is approved, Ngodzo will join Dynamos on 1 February, 14 days before the Champions League kicks off.
Source NewZimbabwe.com
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