Hwange's Zulu off to Malawi for Trials

Hwange have sent their hitman Gilbert Zulu for a two-week trial period at former Malawian champions MTL Wanderers - effectively ending Highlanders' hopes of signing the big striker.

Zulu is scheduled to leave any time this week with teammate Carrington Gomba, who was also a target of Highlanders and champions Dynamos.

Wanderers are coached by former Highlanders, CAPS United, Buymore, Sporting Lions and Warriors coach Rahman Gumbo. Highlanders registered Zulu and Gomba with the Confederation of African Football for the Confederations Cup. Gumbo indicated during a visit to the City of Kings that he wanted to take two Zimbabwean players to Malawi, but did not reveal their identity.

Burzil Dube, the Hwange spokesman, revealed yesterday that the two players were on their way to Malawi. "It is a trial period for both players and if they make the grade, we will not stand in their way. "No paperwork has been done and there are no figures because they are just on trials," he said. Should Zulu make the grade in Malawi, it would be a big blow for Highlanders who have lost Obadiah Tarumbwa to Belgian top-flight league Cercle Brugge on a six-month contract.

Their only consolation will be that they snatched Golden Boot winner Cuthbert Malajila from Chapungu 48 hours before their match against Ferroviario de Nampula and he played a major role in that 3-0 win. Motor Action striker Salim Milanzi is also reported to be trying his luck with an unnamed team in Malawi. Locally, the picture will be clearer when the transfer window closes on Friday, while Highlanders and Dynamos have been busy because of their participation in Africa.

Highlanders have brought in Jacob Muzokomba, Malajila, Irvine Tinarwo, Stephen Alimenda, goalkeeper Winston Chiwetu, Abraham Mbaiwa, Thamsanqa Ndimande and Protasha Kabwe, while Dynamos signed Benjamin Marere, Lazarus Muhoni, Brighton Tuwaya, Farai Vimisai and Tafadzwa.