BULAWAYO giants Highlanders are reportedly closing in on a highly respected South American to replace outgoing coach Erol Akbay whose contract ends in three months’ time.

The Dutchman has already announced that he will not be renewing his marriage with Highlanders, regardless of the financial situation of the club.

While the club has already advertised for an assistant coach position after the incumbent Amini Soma-Phiri tendered his resignation two weeks ago following shock sabotage claims by Akbay, it has also not set on its laurels but has started looking for a possible replacement of its main man with sources close to the institution revealing that an Argentine (name supplied) could take over next year.

“The guy (Argentine) might be a foreigner, yes but I understand his demands are not that out of this world and I am told the club is also impressed with his resume as the guy also firmly believes in an institution producing its own players who understand its philosophy,” said the source.

Sportszone.co.zw contacted the 51 year old Argentine national who however could neither confirm nor deny that he was on his way to Zimbabwe. A former goalkeeper, he has previously worked with the United States of America’s Olympics team and also had stints in Nigeria, Botswana and South Africa.

A journalist in one of the countries that he worked in described him as a very good coach who is passionate about the youth.

Chief executive officer Nhlanhla Dube said he could only comment on the assistant coach position which they advertised for.

“I can confirm that we received nine applications in total for the position of an assistant coach. That figure includes two foreigners as well, who together with our own locals, I shall not name for now but will do so once all the processes have been done,” he said.

He said they will remain guided by the needs of the head coach in as far as the urgency of appointing an assistant coach is concerned.

At the moment, Bosso 90 coach Melusi Mabaleka Sibanda is assisting Akbay on an interim basis but does not sit on the technical bench during matches as he does not have the requisite Caf A license.

Among those who applied for the position of an assistant coach are former hitman Tobias Mudyambanje, Partson Ndabambi and Dalubuhle Bhebhe. Also believed to have applied is former coach Bongani Mafu, former Hwange coach Nation Dube and his assistant Mebelo Njekwa as well as Bulawayo Chiefs gaffer Thulani Sibanda.

@skhumoyo2000.