Friday, March 29, 2024

Highlands Park confirm Collins Mbesuma, Surprise Moriri exit

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JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 27: Collins Mbesuma of Highlands Park and Ebrahim Seedat of Cape Town City during the Absa Premiership match between Highlands Park and Cape Town City at Makhulong Stadium on September 27, 2016 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

Highlands Park Director Brad Kaftel has confirmed the club has parted ways with striker Collins Mbesuma and as far as he’s concerned veteran midfielder Surprise Moriri has retired from football.

Mbesuma joined the Lions of the North at the start of last season from the now defunct Mpumalanga Black Aces after winning the PSL Golden Boot in 2015/16. However, he was troubled by injuries and only featured in 14 league matches, with a return of four goals.

Moriri, who joined Highlands in November 2016 after Mamelodi Sundowns decided against renewing his contract, scored twice in 22 league outings.

The former Platinum Stars man was brought in to bring balance and calmness as a holding midfielder alongside Mothobi Mvala, but was unable to help Park retain their topflight status.

“With Collins Mbesuma, we agreed to terminate his contract,” Kaftel tells KickOff.com.

“There was a mutual agreement and the mutual agreement is that we have parted ways.

“Collins is a legend and he’s a fantastic goal scorer. I can only say that he’s a good guy, great player, a gentleman, and I’ve only got good things to say about Collins. I think also his age has caught up with him and he’s not a youngster anymore.

“I think the NFD requires a lot of speed and I don’t think the NFD is for Collins. Collins can do the job for a top team and is a goal poacher. But we are looking for hard running players now and we don’t have that luxury.”

Regarding Moriri, Kaftel adds: “He has retired and I have had discussions with Larry Brookstone [club director] that he has retired.

“But as far I’m concerned he has retired. We haven’t negotiated with him and my understanding with Surprise is he came to help us for a couple of months and he has retired.

“Having said that, there’s no doubt that he’s a legend and don’t get me wrong, he’s one of South Africa’s best ever players. A special player and special man. He’s really a good guy but from a playing career he has retired.

“But Larry Brookstone handles that and he’s the technical director but he said to me that Surprise has retired.”

 

14 COMMENTS

  1. He will resurface at Free State stars or Baroka. Mighty and Roan don’t u have space for a retired general?

  2. So now he’s free the National soccer team coach will call this old guy to be his top striker. He need to come back home and invest in youth academy coaching not just drink chibuku

  3. Pls ba zambian coach have you heard from SA that mbesuma has now reached an age were he is not needed to play football with young ones anymore.Age has caught up with him,dont call him for national duties or les you embarras him as he becomes a passenger.

    • When Zambia has Played recently and Mbesuma is on the pitch, who was the star on the pitch, the one making it tick for Zambia?
      He is called because he plays and plays big.
      Look at Peter Ndlovu. in club colours he was not much. Let him put on the Zim jersey and he tears you to shreds.
      With country football, there is a cause. a cause results in motivation.
      Mbesuma still plays well.

  4. Mailon you know nothing about how hard Mbesuma works at his fitness and finances. He is a very great person. Try spending an hour with him. Remember he couldn’t speak English when he came to the PSL. He has a very high IQ. He may have done the Chibuku thing but thats history. Judge him for now

  5. Mbesuma is a changed person. He is a born again Christian. That is why he calls himself King David.No more shake-shake. He is now disciplined. Of course he regrets that he he misused his chance in Europe

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