Former Bosso hitman back

FORMER Highlanders hitman, Nqobile Mpala, will today start training with the Bulawayo giants in a move that might ease the Kelvin Kaindu-coached side's striking crisis.

Mpala was part of the nine players given clearance letters by troubled Harare outfit Caps United after they demanded their outstanding dues from the club in a revolt that has also claimed the scalp of the ever humble youthful coach Mkhuphali Masuku.

The other players are Asani Nhongo, Tendai Samanja, Blessing Zabula, Itayi Chiwara, Tapiwa Kumbuyani, Washington Pakamisa, Leonard Fiyado and Hardlife Zvirekwi.

"I have decided to retrace my steps back home because I think that is where my heart is and has always been. I spoke to Nduna (Willard Khumalo, Highlanders manager) who advised me to report for training today but I could not make it so I will be joining the rest of the guys tomorrow," said Mpala who was on his way to Bulawayo from the capital yesterday afternoon.

In his Facebook post on Wednesday, Mpala hinted that he was indeed coming back home.

"Khumbulekhaya," he posted.

After leaving the Bulawayo giants in a cloud in 2009, the bustling former Falcon College student penned a two-year deal with Pretoria University who were in the second tier league then.

He helped them gain promotion into the South African Absa Premiership when he scored six goals.

Mpala returned home and joined Caps United during the second transfer-window last year.

At Highlanders, he is expected to add to the potency in the strikeforce that will probably be the most forceful in the local league especially if he partners either Cleopas Dube or Njabulo Ncube.

Highlanders failed to click upfront in their last two matches against crack South African side Mamelodi Sundowns in an international friendly and the first leg in the Bob 89 Super Cup final played at Barbourfields Stadium last Sunday where they fell 1-2 to Dynamos.

Turning 25 years in September this year, Mpala, who played rugby while at school before joining the then Zifa Southern Region Division One side Matshiyakwakhiwe, could be in the line-up for Highlanders when they take on revived Gwanda Ramblers in a friendly match set for Phelandaba Stadium tomorrow.

The match could be the final one before Kaindu finalises his 2013 team after indicating that he would want to give the players ample time to look for teams of their choice.

In the past, players would only be told on the eve of the transfer deadline that their services were not required.

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