Mbeba tells Highlanders, no house, no deal

A Highlander's vice-captain is refusing to sign a new contract without a house included. Andrew Mbeba has taken a firm stand in negotiations with the club, stating he will not agree to a deal without the property as part of his signing package. The defender has stopped attending team training sessions, emphasizing his demand for long-term security over verbal promises from the club.

His contract situation leaves him as a free agent currently. A persistent knee injury, which previously forced his withdrawal from national team duty, has complicated potential moves to other interested clubs. Teams like FC Platinum and Hardrock showed past interest, but his physical condition has cooled that market, strengthening Highlanders' negotiating position.

The club itself is undergoing a squad reshuffle, having released several players while bringing in new reinforcements. Retaining an experienced defender like Mbeba could provide needed stability during this period of change, especially after another regular defender departed for a different team.

Supporters are watching closely as a deadline for resolving the talks has been set. The outcome hinges entirely on the club's willingness to meet the player's specific demand for property ownership. How management handles this standoff could significantly impact the team's defensive lineup moving forward.