shloboe boe
Innocent Kurira, innocent.kurira@chronicle.co.zw
HIGHLANDERS’ chairman, Kenneth Mhlophe, has sought to quell the anxiety of the club’s passionate supporters, assuring them that the recent departures of key players will not hinder their pursuit of success in the upcoming season. Bosso has recently seen the departure of vice-captain Peter Muduhwa, striker Lynoth Chikuhwa, and versatile players Godfrey Makaruse and Marvellous Chigumira, all of whom have joined newly-promoted Scottland FC.
The departure of these key players has sent jitters among Highlanders fans, who fear that the team’s chances of competing for top honours in the 2025 season have been severely dented. Many are worried that the loss of experienced players will create a gaping hole in the team’s line-up, which may be difficult to fill. Fans have taken to social media to express their concerns, with some calling for the club’s leadership to move swiftly in signing quality replacements. Others have questioned the club’s ability to attract top talent, given its limited resources. As the new season draws near, the sense of unease among Bosso faithful is palpable, and chairman Mhlophe’s reassurances may help the situation.
“We lost four players, but the coach had already given us his wish list before he went on holiday, and we are in progressive talks with some of the players, while some have already agreed to join the club. Yes, we lost key players, but what I can promise you is that Highlanders will compete in the league and give serious competition to the opposition we will face,” Mhlophe said in a reassuring tone.
Mhlophe’s words will come as a welcome relief to Bosso fans, who have grown accustomed to the club’s inconsistent performances in recent seasons. However, the chairman’s confidence is infectious, and he is adamant that the team will rise to the challenge.
“As chairman, I am not panicking. Even the coach has already said everything is under control. I trust the coach, and I also trust the players. There is no need to panic. What the coach wants and expects from us is what we are doing right now. There is really no reason to press the panic button. He will get the personnel he needs, and the team will compete,” he said.
Mhlophe also provided an update on the club’s efforts to retain the services of goalkeeper captain Ariel Sibanda.
“The club is still in talks with the player, and we are hopeful that it will be productive.”
With the new season looming, Mhlophe has implored fans to remain calm and patient as the team builds towards the 2025 campaign.
“Losing players is not new to Highlanders. In the past, we have lost players on a large scale, but the team still rises. There is no reason to fear,” said Mhlophe.
In a timely boost to the team’s preparations for the new season, Nqobile Ndlovu and Archford Faira, who have been side-lined with injuries, are expected to start light training by the end of February.
“Nqobile Ndlovu and Archford Faira are expected to start light training by the end of February.
Wishing both players the best of luck,” the club announced.
Bosso began their pre-season training this week, with players undergoing medicals. Images shared by the club showed familiar faces, including Darlington Mukuli, Prince Ndlovu, Marvin Sibanda, and Honest Mhlanga.
The club’s leadership has committed to strengthening the squad, and fans are hoping for a return to the top of Zimbabwean football.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is likely to hold its annual general meeting next month, before the 2025 season kicks off in March. Most clubs are pushing to conclude player transfers early, so as to be ready when the league kicks off. The Castle Challenge Cup, pitting Chibuku Super Cup champions Dynamos against league champions Simba Bhora, will kick-start proceedings for the new season.
Meanwhile, Highlanders will convene an extraordinary meeting on Sunday to discuss proposed amendments to the club’s constitution. The meeting, which is closed to the public, provides an opportunity for members to debate and contribute to the proposed changes. The constitutional amendment committee is chaired by Nicholas Nyathi, working together with Morgen Dube and legal expert Nqobile Sithole. The working document, which was adopted by members in January 2006, has remained largely unchanged since then. Notably, 2006 was also the year that Highlanders last won the league championship.
In 2018, a proposed draft constitution, crafted by experts who were also club members, was rejected by the membership. If the constitutional amendments are approved, some executive committee members will assume new roles. The treasurer’s position will be redefined as executive member responsible for finance, chairing meetings related to financial matters. The secretary will become executive member in charge of administration and marketing, while the committee member’s role will be altered to executive member responsible for technical and development.
The amendments aim to align Highlanders with the Confederation of African Football (Caf) club licensing requirements. If approved, some of the proposals will see the chief executive officer no longer share responsibilities with the secretary, as is presently the case.
Instead, the CEO will have clearly defined responsibilities, as required by Fifa. Some members have raised concerns about the club’s dual power structures, which have been a source of conflict.
Highlanders have an elected executive committee, which serves for three years, and a board of directors, which is not elected and serves for an indefinite period. According to the Highlanders constitution, the executive committee is responsible for the club’s management, while the board of directors provides guidance on policy formulation, strategic planning, and management. However, some members have questioned the need for two power centres, which have led to conflicts and impacted the team’s performance. The proposed amendments also include the abolition of the secretary, treasurer, and committee member titles, as well as their roles.
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