mbulelo smpofu
Lovemore Dube, lovemore.dube@chronicle.co.zw
HIGHLANDERS Football Club, one of the country’s biggest and most successful clubs, have announced a vacancy for the position of Head of Development.
The club wants to invest in football and produce players of high quality who when sold may help sustain the institution that has always gasped for survival.
Players are the single most disposable asset at a football club and Highlanders who have in the past produced good juniors know the benefits.
They have in the last decade enjoyed Fifa Solidarity and Junior Development funds from the movement of players who have been associated with them from the age of 12-23 who have signed professional contracts.
According to the advertisement which appeared in yesterday’s Chronicle, the successful candidate will report to the technical manager of the club.
Among the head of development’s responsibilities will be:
Lead and manage player talent recruitment for all age groups
Collaborate with youth coaches on player recruitment
Develop and maintain a player database portfolio
Foster positive relationships with parents/guardians and the club
Develop a talent bank/pool for all age groups, including the senior team
Maintain up to date player profiles
Manage the loan portfolio
Develop monthly and quarterly reports
In the advertisement, Highlanders say the candidate must have a proven football technical training (Caf B or higher), excellent talent identification skills, match analysis, computer literacy, writing abilities, willingness to conduct fieldwork and work collaboratively and with some innovation.
Highlanders has since the mid-1960s been known to produce excellent talent from its junior ranks and among the names that have been celebrated are Lawrence Phiri, Kainot and Willie Luphahla, Douglas Mloyi, Ephraim Moloi, Peter Nkomo, Nhamo Shambira, Themba Lunga, Madinda Ndlovu, Netsai Moyo, Willard Khumalo, Mercedes Sibanda, Summer Ncube, Makwinji Soma-Phiri, Isaac Riyano, Peter Ndlovu, Nqobani Ncube, Abraham Mbamo, Zenzo Moyo, Dampion Ngwenya, Siza Khoza, Gift Lunga (Snr), Gift Lunga (Jnr), Wayne Albertyn, Thualni Ncube, Noel Kaseke, Gilbert Banda, Honour Gombami and Bekithemba Nkiwane.
Dalu Bhebhe and Dumaza Dube, who have some teaching experience and proven successes, are possible candidates for the role given the demands that require a higher level of literacy.
A successful junior development that produces material for the export market is probably what could see Bosso on the rebound.
Highlanders have struggled for talent and resources good enough to propel the club to championship material since 2006.
shloboe boe
