HIGHLANDERS have announced a 30-member 2012 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League squad that has only two players from outside Bulawayo while 17 of the players come from the club’s junior structures.

Goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya and striker Simba Mambare, acquired from Motor Action, are the only two players from the capital.

Also signing for the Kelvin Kaindu-coached Tshilamoya, is Atlast Musasa, younger brother to Chipo Tsodzo who plays at right back, assistant coach Bekithemba Ndlovu’s sibling, Dumisani, former FC Platinum players Mthulisi Maphosa and Bhekimpilo Ncube, Peter “Rasta” Moyo, former Motor Action player Milton Ncube, former Chicken Inn midfield Heritein Masuku as well as Beavan Chikaka.

Moyo put up a five-star performance for Quelaton during a friendly match against Highlanders at Luveve at the beginning of this month.

Promoted from the juniors this year are rightback Lewis “Rambo” Ncube, leftbacks Honest Moyo, Status Nsingo, strikers Ryan Howes and Ozias Zibande.

Midfielders Knox Mutizwa, Arnold Ndiweni and Munyaradzi Tongai and strikers Bobby Nkomo, Mgcini Sibanda and goalkeeper, Ashley Katsande, who were promoted from the 2010 juniors, were retained.

Missing from last year’s squad is defender Brighton Choto and midfielder Arnold “Majaivana” Tshuma, with the Harare Declaration that all players should undergo a medical examination before being registered with the PSL seemingly affecting Choto.

“They did not make it, we had two players coming in on Tshuma’s position and he came short as compared to them. As for Choto, his nagging injury had a big bearing,” said Kaindu.

Choto spent the whole of 2010 season on the sidelines due to a knee injury before making cameo appearances towards the end of last season.

His talent is certainly undisputable.

According to the Highlanders secretary-general, Andrew “Squad” Tapela, the two players were still contracted to the team. Asked about the length of their players’ contracts, Tapela said they all were tied to a minimum of two years. “All the players in our list have a minimum of two-year contract with us,” said Tapela. Bosso declared during their annual meeting that they wanted to sweep all the honours this season.

Meanwhile, Highlanders’ fans will get an opportunity to see their final list of players in action on Sunday when they take on Chapungu United in a friendly match at Barbourfields.

“Our supporters should come in their numbers and see their 2012 team before the real battle starts the following Sunday,” said tapela.

“It will be good if they are to fill the stadium to give an indicator of what will happen during the course of the season.” Highlanders open their 2012 account with a home match against Blue Rangers, formally Blue Ribbon, at Barbourfields on April 1.