State Media|DUTCHMAN Hendrikus Pieter De Jongh has rubbished any news linking him with a move to FC Platinum, but confirmed that he will not be returning to Highlanders next season.
Having charmed the Bosso faithfuls, during his three-month stay at the Bulawayo Giants, De Jongh has said that he is in no hurry to ink any new deals, despite a couple of offers having reached his table.
“I am not returning to Bosso next season, and will be going either for new challenges or take a six month break from football.
“When I came here; my task was to help Highlanders survive relegation, now that we survived relegation I am now looking forward to new challenges,” said the Dutchman.
“No club in Zimbabwe has approached me as yet, but I can confirm that clubs from five different countries in Africa and one national team have made contact with my management team.
“I am yet to decide on which team I will be joining though.
“To say that I am going to FC Platinum is fake news; I have never spoken with them (FC Platinum) and neither have my management team,” said De Jongh.
He has, however, heaped praise on the reigning Castle Lager Premiership champions on numerous occasions, something that may account for the rumours between the two parties.
“Zimbabwe has great football quality; I have been following the teams in the local Premiership, and those that have participated in the Champions League,” said the 49-year-old gaffer.
“FC Platinum have the resources and state-of-the-art facilities that are required in modern football,” he said when he came to join Highlanders in September.
As he departs for presumably greener pastures, De Jongh has described his time at Highlanders as one of his greatest experiences in his coaching career.
His record at Highlanders currently stands at 5-6-1; having won five matches, drew six times and lost just one match out of the 12 Premier League games he was in charge of.
That feat saw him finish sixth on the log table.
His greatest achievements at Highlanders, however, remains the Chibuku Super Cup win, that saw Highlanders win their first piece of major silverware in four years.
“Winning the Super Cup and helping the team survive relegation to end up in the top eight was a big achievement for me,” said De Jongh.
“I had a great time at Highlanders; the team was just fantastic, the supporters were awesome and I really enjoyed my stay here. I wish them all the success in the future,” said De Jongh.