Staggering R15 Million Price Tag Set for Zimbabwean Teen Sensation Amid Pirates and European Interest

A staggering price tag has been placed on the head of teenage Zimbabwean sensation Prince Ndlovu, as officials aim to maximise returns on what many believe is the country’s most promising football talent in a generation. The 19-year-old winger, currently making waves at the COSAFA Cup in Bloemfontein, has already attracted the attention of South Africa’s Orlando Pirates and a suitor from Europe.

As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, Ndlovu, who once trained with Pirates in Houghton before a failed European move, remains firmly on the Buccaneers’ radar. Now, a high-ranking official at Highlanders FC — the club holding his contract — has indicated that they are seeking a fee of around R15 million for the young star.

“Highlanders FC value Prince (Ndlovu) and that’s why they are pricing him at around R15 million. For now, this price is believed to be directed at South African team Orlando Pirates because apparently they are the ones who have enquired about his services. Highlanders believe it’s a fair price looking at his talent, quality, and future ahead of him,” the official told the Siya crew.

Ndlovu has been dubbed by some as “the next Peter Ndlovu”, referencing Zimbabwe’s greatest-ever export and adding further intrigue to his potential transfer.

Complicating matters for Pirates is growing European interest. A football intermediary with ties to both Southern African and European clubs revealed that Austrian Bundesliga side Sturm Graz have also been monitoring Ndlovu’s progress. “Apart from Orlando Pirates there is a European club that has been monitoring him for some time now. It’s Sturm Graz from the Austria Bundesliga. So that price of R15 million could also be influenced by the fact that there is interest from Europe as well,” the intermediary said.

Ndlovu’s valuation represents one of the highest ever placed on a player emerging directly from the Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League. The lofty figure underscores Highlanders’ belief in the winger’s potential to thrive at a higher level.

With Pirates scouts in attendance at the COSAFA Cup, the Soweto giants now have a key opportunity to assess whether Ndlovu’s performances justify such an investment. However, with European interest heating up, the Buccaneers may be forced to act swiftly if they are to land the highly rated teenager.

Many within Zimbabwean football circles believe that Ndlovu could emulate his legendary namesake’s career trajectory, moving from domestic stardom to becoming a force on the international stage. Whether Orlando Pirates will meet Highlanders’ asking price — or risk losing out to European competition — remains to be seen in the coming weeks.