Highlanders Bosso memories: The Midfield Generals

(Willard Khumalo, Madinda Ndlovu and Mercedes Sibanda)

Football players of raw passion and desire to entertain while having fun came naturally in the 1980s and 1990s. Among the many gifted players who became actors of the great Highlanders Football Club over that period of time was Willard Mashinkila Khumalo (MHSRIP), famous then for galloping while in possession of the ball, to the roar of the responsive Stadium.

This midfield general of immense talent, passion and attitude, ‘Nduna’’ as he was popularly known,  had a physical presence, dribbling, passing and vision made him a darling to watch.

 Many will remember the stadium roaring ‘Mawiii’ or simply, "Wiiiiiiii" with his every touch of the ball. He intercepted the balls in midfield intelligently, supporting other players off the ball and above all, had the great passing ability over short, medium and long distances.

Nduna’s football was compelling at the club and national level and remained a cog to the teams he played for which included Caps United. Willard was the king pin of the Reinhard Fabisch's Dream Team of the 1990s. He went to ply his trade in Germany as well.

Many young Highlanders FC supporters may not know Lazarus Mwambopo. ‘Lulu’, started running as he came out of the tunnel for warm-up and never stopped. He ran in a particular fashion, his hands kind of hanging loosely from the wrists.

He tirelessly toiled all day. His great vision and weighted passing were a joy to behold. Lulu played for Eagles FC with Victor Moonsamy and Elvis Chiweshe among others. The industry of this man's input in each shift could never be equalled.

Ernest ‘Maphepha’ Sibanda was slim as a paper, hence his nickname. This speedy winger flew making the 'Chew' noise with his mouth as he charged. Sibanda played for Caps United in a distinguished career and later became the team manager of the very successful Bossolona and eventually Chairman. The man had good control of midfield control and imposed his style of play with ease.

Nqobizitha Maenzanise (MHSRIP) is another of the great midfielders of his generation and beyond. As stubborn as a donkey on the road, he marshalled the midfield at will. He had invaluable technique, killing any ball dead in an instant and passing with amazing accuracy with the inside or outside of the foot. His vision left you wondering if he really saw the development prior.

‘Humpty’ tended to have lazy runs with his bow legs and his arrogance got him a few red-cards during his career. He never really celebrated a goal as he just took it as a pass to the net. One cannot remember him losing the ball once it was at his feet and he released it only when he wanted, and very accurately so. 

He was a useful player at Zimbabwe Saints, Matebeleland High City and he captained the national team. One thing few people knew about him, was his great humility. I had great pleasure taking him through coaching courses and was always amazed how so humble and willing to learn he was. He worked as a court interpreter.

In the same mould of build and technique was Makheyi Nyathi (MHSRIP). I have never seen a better ball passer. His control of the ball was magnificent. ‘Ninja’ played first team football at a very tender
age. He was very good at anticipating and intelligently intercepting balls timely without a hassle. He was a hard tackler who enjoyed his game. 

Makheyi scored some amazing long-range goals regularly. He was such a great magician who made his first team and national squad debuts aged sixteen. This player can be described as a true general of the game and an icon. He suffered knee injuries that cut his career shorter than it should have been.

Another tireless worker and exquisite passer was Aram Tshuma (MHSRIP). He had played a lot of first division football with Red Seal Rovers before joining Bosso. What a revelation he was. 

Aram passed the ball early with great quality and silently went about his business in attack and defence. He was a goal scorer of note, especially from distance.

Richard Choruma joined ‘Amahlolanyama’ looking lazy and many fans did not believe that he was going to be a revelation he became. His small frame fooled many opponents. Choruma worked hard in midfield winning balls, developing into one of the finest players.

Choruma played alongside Benjani Mwaruwari at Air Zimbabwe and his move to South Africa was not as successful. The Dabuka Express was an intelligent player with a great engine and a professional every coach dreamed of. 

Alexander Phiri was a high calibre player and a scorer of thunderous goals that would make Paul Scholes jealous. Zander always looked to play the ball forward early and accurately and worked extremely hard all the time. His goals will always feature as some of the best seen at Bosso. He played alongside Blessing Gumiso who was a pivotal figure in midfield himself.

Gumiso was a strong anchor-man who worked hard for the team. As a workhorse protecting the defenders, Magumaguma was tireless and very decisive in tackles and man-marking. He was very dependable in one versus one situation and scored some good and important goals. His contribution released other exciting attacking midfielders to venture forward in enterprising fashion. 

Siza Khoza was one untouchable swift player. As soon as he was on the run with the ball at his feet he flew off his feet. Nkinko was extravagant sometimes, keepingh the ball with him for too long but when he got his way, it was ever so sweet. 

The ball stuck to his feet as if glued. It was his not so generous frame that made him rank last in national team selection. At Caps United, his artistry did not live up to his reputation. Siza ran from midfield to the flanks and also attacked the central positions with great purpose and direction. He was a defender's nightmare. He scored vital goals for the team.

Gift Lunga Jnr operated as a left-winger. His tremendous dribbling ability took many by surprise, including himself I think. ‘Thebe’ had wits to do anything. His flowing movement when in full flight on the left wing, the dread-locked Thebe reminded many of Jay Jay Okocha. He was purely exquisite and sublime. The Bosso faithful will have memories of the great and crucial goals he scored.

Who can forget the late Thuthani Moyo, a player who used both feet to dribble with amazing ability? He knew of his gift and he pushed the limits. He also had a deceptive lazy dribble, which made drilling the ball through opponents’ legs look casual. One could mistakenly think he used his hands to manipulate the ball. That is how clever his feet were.

Mpumelelo 'Era Munna' Dzowa and the late Ronnie 'Jeans' Jowa came across as genuine midfield commanders who people confused for each other because of the surnames which rhymed. Mpume took control of the game with great vision and passing that mesmerised opponents. He later developed to be a key member of the Green Machine, Caps United.

These players were a team that was very talented, having matured earlier from a reserve team of the mid-1980s named 'Liverpool'. 

Many will remember high-quality technician, Thoko Sithole, who was nimble-footed. He was a darling to many and proved to be a midfielder of immense talent.

The fluid Benjamin ‘Matambanadzo’ Mpofu came from Kadoma's Eiffel Flats and endeared into the Bosso fans with a workmanlike shift match after match with great incisive runs going forward. He had the courage to carry the ball across the field and into the attacking third.

One not so popular, yet vital midfield of good defensive qualities was Harrison ‘Ayashis' Amateki’ Meki. Ayashis' Amateki was loved by his teammates for his ability to make their jobs on the field easier.

Amin Soma-Phiri was such a lovely character. ‘Khazeni’ had a spirit to move mountains. Like his brother Makwinji, his greatest asset was the head. Amin must have scored more Cup goals than any Bosso player, mostly with his head.

The bow-legged strong man of soccer was a forceful and committed player who disliked losing. The fighting spirit rubbed well into those around him and he always imposed himself on every defence.

The late Titus Majola was simply class and very intelligent. Simply the best. ‘Zii’ was unbelievably flamboyant and knew where to be every time. His strength was the simplicity of play. He made football look very very easy. He played along the charismatic players like Alex Maseko, Fanual Ncube, Douglas Mloyi and Peter Nkomo, among others.

Tito Paketh, a brother to Francis Paketh of Eagles was a talented dribbling wizard with nimble feet. Tito scored amazing goals and mostly from distance. The strong midfielder had great vision and mouth-watering passing ability. He left playing alongside his brother Francis, at Eagles and joined Amahlolanyama. He was a great player who enjoyed his game and all at Tshilamoya enjoyed watching him.

David Phiri brought to the game excellent passing and ball control in the midfield. His strong attitude to the art made him look comfortable and relaxed. His goals were marvellous. Dave proved to be a consistent midfielder with the ability to deliver every time he played.

Many know Andrew Shue as a Hollywood actor of the soapie, Melrose Place. He played football for Highlanders and was a such a genius. He was not fancy at all but did the necessary with simple football. 

I remember an unfortunate game in Harare where he gave away a silly goal in a Cup final or something. He felt gutted and found it hard to deal with the mishap. 

Another American, Kelly 'Sharp Mafana' Jacobson played further in front as an attacking midfielder and his passing always astounded the supporters. He scored few important goals.

Dowd had the chilling accurate forward passes with the correct weight and direction. It made up for the poor defensive behaviour, which was his weaknesses. He had off days that could annoy fans but played a key role in most of the matches he played that the fans named him Dube.

Lovemore Ncube was a temperamental character who fought too hard and hated to lose. ‘Magents’ was a vital engine room cog who always played a kingpin role. He was a terminator kind of player. The ball winning ability gave the much-needed steel in his game which many took for rough play.

Magents always played hard and took no prisoners with each tackle making a statement. Lovemore went to play successfully for Dynamos, before leaving for overseas.

Rahman Gumbo was an influential midfielder despite him starting a striker at Eagles where he scored goals with the ease of Ian Rush. ‘Rah’ was very clever and consistent as a Number 9 and as a midfielder. Injuries were unjust to him resulting in his retirement. Rush played a pivotable role for the Dream Team and later developed to be a great coach.

In all his first and second level courses that I conducted, he remained humble and inspired his classmates in the courses. He proved to be a winner as he won championships with Bosso, Caps, as well as Malawians and Botswana teams. Many will remember with fondness the great goals he scored against South Africa upon Mzansi's readmission to international football in 1992 and that goal against Goh Mahiaat Emagumeni.

Benjamin Nkonjera was a destroyer in midfield who always was serious. Probably the finest midfielder ever‘Mackanaky’ had good man-marking skills, interception ability of unsurpassed proportions and passing that would rank amongst the best you ever saw.

Benjie was a cog for Bosso and national teams for many years and had a huge impact on successes of the Dream Team. He scored tremendous goals and finished his career at Amazulu after a fruitful stint at FC Kriens of Switzerland.

Mubariki Chisoni was a true version of dynamite comes in small packages' player. ‘Mwamba’ seemed just too slippery for the opposition. He seemed to have it very easy all the time. For a midfielder of his stature, he was a class act who scored beautiful and important goals. He had great ball control and was very courageous.

Methembe Ndlovu played comfortably in defence as he did in midfield. ‘Mayor’, as a holding player was a darling of the BF crowd, intercepting the ball at alarming rates. One would think he attracted the ball to his feet.

He was so dependable and committed in everything he did, becoming one of the best players in 1995 Under 23All-Africa Games in the squad who won silver medals

His ball distribution was one of his strengths.Mayor’s football took him to the United State of America where he attained high coaching qualifications. He became one of the most successful Bosso coaches.

Honour Gombami is one living artisan of football with immense talent. He graduated soon after Johannes'Tshisampama' Ngodzo but they did play together very well. Honour had a silky touch to blow your mind.

Gombami’s vision and passing incredibly opened defence like a hot knife through butter. His work-rate was really an asset to the squad and he dished his stuff week in and week out.

He went on to play professionally in Belgium but injuries dealt with him treacherously and stalled a growing career.

Another fine specimen of a footballer must be Ngodzo himself.Tshisa dribbled as if he was romancing the ball with his feet. He is one footballer you will come across once in a lifetime. He was a gem of a player with a true Midas touch.His enviable technical ability almost made the ball talk.He ran with the ball, dragging it behind him as if it was
glued to his heels and his long range passing.

He dribbled for fun and made all look easy in the field of play. Injuries were unfair to his and he did play for the national team.

Charles Chilufya was hard shooting and generally a workaholic of a Zambian. ‘Chief’ scored memorable goals. He worked for the ball and was quick to go forward.Chilufya came from city rivals, Railstars, who had acquired him from Wankie Football Club. Tthe combination with Choruma was telepathic.

Master Masiku was one of the most under-rated players ever, with a very big engine and love for the game. An easy midfielder to coach with total commitment, he was a good ball winner and scored some amazing but few goals. He was always committed to his game and played a pivotal role at Railstars.His finishing did not compliment his efforts. 

His boyhood friend, Kelvin ‘Mtshawa’ Maseko had a better work rate. Mtshawa had long strides and a tremendous engine to run all noon. His passing and shooting were high class.

He did not stay long at Highlanders, moving to be a force to be reckoned with at Railstars F.C.To the so many others who made the Highlanders family feel worthwhile, there can never be enough thank yous.

All the midfield generals intrigued the BarbourfieldsStadium with the intricate and quick passing that electrified the vibrant and chanting faithful at the Soweto, Edgars and Mpankweni stands.They packed powerful shots and scored thunderous goals that won the trophies and championships. They
supplied the sublime through balls to the strikers and thrilled everyone with the dribbles and trickery.

Who was your top Midfield General?

Highlanders Tshilamoya; The Great Goalkeepers

(Captain Oxo - He called everyone his boss "My - boss")

Let us go down memory lane for a moment, and remember the temperamental, eccentric, agile, flamboyant, erratic, entertaining and charismatic show-stopping shot-stoppers who played for Highlanders Football Club in the yester years. 

Highlanders produced Bruce Grobbelaar of Liverpool of England, considered one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world during his playing days. He was in the Bosso team by his 16th birthday. The ‘Jungleman’ had a very successful career at Liverpool in the 1980s, winning everything there was on offer.

Grobbelaar won the UEFA Champions League in the mid-1980s, the first African to do so and remained the pillar and image of the game in England for a long time.

His antics and penalty saving successes were attributed to his charisma and the jelly-leg tricks. He saved many penalties by wobbling his legs and swaying his body and arms as if boneless.

The truth of the matter is that the man was class and a joy to watch. The acrobatics seen in those days were later simulated by goalkeepers like Peter Schmeichel, Jorge Campos, Jose Luis Chilavert and Rene Higuita of the famous donkey of scorpion kick.

Peter Nkomo also made his debut for Bosso at a tender age. ‘Captain Oxo’ was also nicknamed ‘Umangoye’ (Cat) for his claws on the ball. He was a fine handler of the ball, without any fancy tricky but sure and safe pair of hands.

He made history with a trip to a 5-aside World Cup tournament in the Soviet Union in 1980. He was referred to as ‘the one who went to Moscow’. Moscow turned to ‘Oscow’. That degenerated to Oxo, and that process was catalysed by a TV commercial of Captain Oxo.

What stands out for me for this great legend is his humility. He called everyone around him, 'My boss' and became known as such. And with each encounter with him, he took the time to ask how your family was doing and at the end, made sure he sends warm regards to your family as if he knew them personally.

Peter was a courageous goalie. He commanded his defence well, being a fine shot stopper of high quality, with abilities to organise and communicate. Oxo had issues with his footwork although he started playing as an attacker. 

His in-field playing experience helped read the strikers' mind and thwart them effectively. The Goalkeeper of the Year winner and Soccer Star of the Year finalist continued to endear himself in the hearts and souls of Tshilamoya fans.

It is said on some bad days, Peter would be easily beaten by Shaky Tauro and Joel Shambo shots, in fact, the whole Caps United of that era, with Stanley Ndunduma and Stix Mtizwa. In those matches, a shot would fly past into the net without even Oxo moving or looking, and he would lie flat on the ground and his defenders - Douglas Mloyi and Fanuel Ncube would come to him to see if he was injured.

Then he would ask, "Lingenile s'bare?" (Is it a goal?) because the stadium would be too noisy to hear the whistle from the referee. And they would tell him it was a goal. The next question; "Athini amaNdebele?" (What do the Ndebeles say?) They would tell him that the fans are angry. "Bathi, vuka uvimbe amabhola" (They say rise and catch the balls). 

Joseph Tembo was nicknamed ‘Masawa’ (Sour milk delivery man) because he came from Rio Dairiboard FC and was very good with cutting out crosses, probably because of his height. He ranked very high with those who saw a lot of him in the mid-1980s.

This is the only goalkeeper to give Peter Nkomo a good run for his money and could have easily been a national team goal minder if he played longer patiently.

The junior policy produced Sydney Zimunya. ‘Bruno’, as he was affectionately known, had excellent moments and bad days. The unfortunate thing was that these bad moments came on the same day as the good. He had a commanding voice at the back and great organising skills. His team mates really loved him.

Smart ‘My Tshomie’ Moyo is another of the goalkeepers that Bosso had. He was just as dependable. After a breath-taking save, a simple ball would beat him to the disappointment of the fans. He was a loud organiser and believer in himself.

Musawenkosi Masango played well at the beginning of his career and played in the All-Africa games in Egypt in the early 1990s. ‘Rawu’ had good shot stopping abilities, but he was a little quiet for a great goalkeeper, being at the mercy of strikers. Rawu had a reasonably long spell between the poles for Highlanders. He was a Fitter and Turner by profession, having apprenticed at the Railways.

Mthandazo Sithole and Francis Muringayi never cemented their first team places. Mthizozo played few matches and moved to Darryn T where he played a few seasons, while Fra had cameo appearances during the time of a Milton High teacher, Weis, from the United States of America. His career was always in the shadow of his brother Charles, who kept goals for Chapungu United.

Pope Moyo was in a young squad assembled by Madinda while Pernell McKop was an intelligent goalkeeper. He retired early due to a back injury.

Johannes ‘SamaTshu’ Tshuma had many heart-stopping acrobatic antics and great confidence. He was very confident and encouraged all who played with him all the time to be very positive all the time. Joe joined Highlanders from Wankie F.C. after the career-ending injury to Oxo. He endeared himself well with breath-taking saves and ball distribution.

Lucky Siziba was a lanky product of the youth development junior policy. Mayiboka was excellent with crosses but low balls were his Achilles heel. Lucky Siziba played for Amazulu and Railstars in prominent roles that saw those teams gaining promotion from Division One to the Premier League.

The revered Ananias Dube is one of the Bosso keepers we had. Dube was a member of the popular team that won the team’s first Chibuku Trophy at Rufaro Stadium when a convoy of Phelandaba Bus Service ferried the first recorded road-show to Harare in 1973. Remember the song, 'Ngubani owayekhona?'.

Many still regard him as the best ever because of his agility and reflexes. He was short, agile and very brave. His legendary status was soiled by his migration to Olympics during the rebellious split.

Robert Donga was very temperamental, as they said he was a short fuse, but organised his defenders very well. To recognise his excellence between the posts, he was called on to represent Rhodesia and Bulawayo select teams.

There was Mandla, referred to by many as ‘Stiletto’. This man was incredibly agile given his physical challenge on one leg, diving well on both sides.

Amon Chimbalanga was a very serious goalie who hated to lose. He was a complete goalkeeper whose footwork may have been a little better and many referred to him as ‘Bululu’, (Puff Adder) for his cheeky antics against his own defenders.

It is claimed that the love of money compromised his integrity and became a tool of external forces to penetrate the Bosso community to influence the outcome of matches. This vulnerability to these agents tainted the great career and he should have been a regular national goalkeeper.

Tapuwa Kapini was eccentric and charismatic. ‘Campos’ had confidence and excellent technique. He went on to represent the country more than any other Bosso goalkeeper did. He liked playing as an inside player and had tricks of Grobbelaar.

Edmore Sibanda had the confidence to walk on water. ‘Mamkhwebu’ had unrivaled antics in goals. Fans would have their hearts in their mouths and yet he kept goals secure. He had fine reflexes which atoned for the crazy and heart-stopping moments.

He ranks amongst the best of the goalkeepers ever along with Brito Gwere and young Luckson Mutanga. Gwere played key roles in the years before Kapini rose to prominence and acquitted himself well, being simple and unstylish but very dependable goalie.

Lawrence Phiri played in goals on many occasions when the regular goalkeepers failed to turn up for the matches. He never got a chance to claim the jersey permanently. All will know that he gained his club legendary status as a utility out field player known as Lofty.

George Moyo, like Smart Moyo, had careers cut short by the liberation war and on their return, they found Oxo solid and established as the main team stalwart in his lengthy service to the club. His contribution could easily be forgotten due to the short spell with Bosso.

Kingston Phiri and CB Mahlangu, like Masango, Muringayi, Smart, and Sydney lived in the shadow of Captain Oxo and their careers as Highlanders' legends never took off.

Enerst Ncube Mgwegwe was a complete goalkeeper to many who saw him and had the promise and potential but he did not blossom to be a great goalie he could have been.
He 'disappeared' from the football scene.

There was also Prosper Masuku, tall and intimidating. He was a promising prospect. Malvern Moyo was also a promising goalie who never lived up to his potential.

When Madinda Ndlovu built the mid-1990s Thulani Ncube captained squad, he used Pope Moyo, who grew with each game but never convinced the fans to be the number one. Pope repaid the club with loyalty although under pressure each week to perform.

Lackson Mutanga also matured to play for the club and could have grown to be a super keeper as he played in junior national teams. 

There was also Chenjerai Dube, a strong goalkeeper considered for national teams, having excelled in Hwange. That move from the Coal Miners proved fatal as Kapini was at his prime. He never had much chance to shine.

Njabulo Nyoni came too late into his career and played his part. Ariel Sibanda is also an agiler and intelligent keeper, a little too quiet to command his defence but still has potential to play for the national team regularly.

Ater all is said and done, they all bring some memory in one form or another. Some make you smile while others made you mad and angry. Most of them had weaknesses and their excuses were always that they saw two many balls coming their way. 

Angry defenders would always shout at them, "Bamba wonke wena ....(huge insult)" (Catch both balls, you ......).

They were one of a kind.

Highlanders; The Technical Advisor

(Bosso Tshilamoya)

I joined the Highlanders Football Club technical team as Technical Advisor in 2001, and, compared to my predecessors, I was too young and had had too much success too early, and the whole deal became disastrous.

Amongst many memorable times, one of my greatest moments at the Club was a match against local city rivals, Amazulu Football Club. We beat Usuthu at Luveve 4-2 coming from 0-2 at half time, in one of Bosso’s best ever games.

During my short stay at Bosso as the TA, we won two trophies after we beat Dynamos twice within weeks of each other. 

It was a Dairiboard Charity Cup at Barbourfields Stadium and the Independence Cup at the National Sports Stadium of Harare.

I am very proud of the achievements of the development program that produced Honour Gombami and Malala among others. During my stay, Mkhokheli Dube and Gilbert Banda were fast maturing and it is fulfilling to see where they are now.

Johannes Ngodzo played his worst football then because he was a Highlanders and then a Railstars player while I was the coach there before he joined Bosso again. He had refused my attempts to keep him with the Sporo men.

In reuniting with him at Tshilamoya, the feeling of guilt hindered his game despite my assurances and encouragement. He could only get his touch back in years to come. 

The upcoming team of that time had potential to move mountains like the famous Liverpool. I proposed that we form a Division 2 football then to afford the youngsters competitive football on a weekly basis. It sounded ridiculous then, to have two Highlanders teams registered in different leagues, according to the team manager, Ernest Sibanda Maphepha. I am glad the system is in operation now.

Working with Kenedy Ndebele, Liqhwa Gama and Isaac Mlilo under the leadership of Mangwana Tshuma was a rewarding experience. There was never a single moment that salaries were not paid on time.

Professionalism was at its best, but the technical team did not measure up to the standards in terms of following the plans and schedules. Everyone was paid their friendly matches appearance fees at the stadium. For international matches, the payment was in cash and 3 days before the travel dates.

That was efficiency at its best. The support given by Nhlanhla Bahlangene Dube and Onius Ndebele of Computon was encouraging. They assisted players with their personal needs in their personal capacities.

I had tremendous support and a great relationship with ‘abadala bempankeni’ (elders from the groove), the Board members. They were very encouraging and of course, humorous.

In a different world and at a different time I could have served Bosso in a telling way. I have a conviction that I could have won Africa Champions League with that team and management. I really do. With Captain Fantastic, Thulani Biya Ncube, the first player ever to captain the club team, Under 23 national team and the senior national at the same, the leadership on and off the field strengthened the personal playing attributes of everyone in the team and the dressing room.

I still harbor the ambitions to do so. Time will tell and that is a story for another day.

I have no regrets at all and I learned quite a lot very fast. There was no boring moment and the camping was always a comedy show. The spirit was very good and the unity amazing. Siza 'Nkinko' Khoza always kept everyone in stitches at camp. There were strong characters like Richard Dabuka Express Choruma, Blessing MaGuma Guma Gumiso, Charles Chief Chilufya.

Who can forget Eddie Dube, Melody Nkalakatha Wafawanaka, Gift Thebe Junior, Britto Gwere and Tapuwa Kapini amongst others?

Having a Brazilian mentality of periodisation and sticking to the book at all times, trying to influence a local process purely based on playing experience, was very uncomfortable with our own established set up. 

I compromised on my principles and began to see my appointment as a long-term strategy for the club. And how wrong I was. It lasted 6 months.

My perfectionist attitude did not help much and my high expectations of the Highlanders set-up was very unrealistic. More often than not, success gives the impression that there is progress, but for me success and progress are different, and I was looking forward to getting both simultaneously.

Highlanders won several titles and a few attempts in the African Champions’ League before my arrival at the club. I had watched the latest botched attempt against Cameroon’s Sable de Batiethat was played at the Barbourfields Stadium.

I watched with a lot of interest and analysed it as much as possible and passed my thoughts to the technical team. From that match, I knew it would not be easy to change the fortunes of the team overnight. Exactly 12 months later, I was appointed Technical Advisor and the story was the same. 

As before, this was a home-brewed disaster, many people crossing the bridge before we got to the river. There is no substitute for proper preparation.

The greed of taking the glory of leading the team to Canaan was the war between the technical department, which I was supposed to lead, and the Executive Committee led by late Retired Colonel James Mangwana Tshuma.

The two of us led our camps that had underlying currents, as both our second-in-command did not tango well with each other. In the technical team, the problem was magnified by the fact that Rush needed to take my advice, but he was solely responsible for the team performance and results and had the final say. He made it clear I understood that.

I had acquired a high-level Advanced Diploma in Brazilian Football, of which Professors Carlos Alberto Pereira and Julio Cesar Leal were some of the lecturers. It is not an Advanced Diploma for nothing, and it is not a chance that the Brazilians have won the FIFA World Cup a record six times, and every other football competition in this world.

Other prominent lecturers in that course included Professors Neto Esphezim, Paipfer Lula, Alberto Lancetta and Sebastiao Araujo who wrote many books and played alongside Pele and Mario Zagallo in the 1958 FIFA World Cup.

I really enjoyed a great deal in all the road shows, and the full stadia everywhere we played. I had influence and leadership at promoting Railstars Football Club from the Division One with Barry Daka in 1997 and those moments brought so much joy and satisfaction. 

In between, I formed a Division Two football academy KFA after purchasing Joseph James' Thorngrove status. In 38 matches, we scored over 100 goals and amassed over 100 points but Olivine won the promotion. That Academy produced Farai Zidane Mujokoro.

At the end of my tenure, I was physically and mentally drained and Delma Lupepe asked to assist Jerry Mafripa (MHSRIP) but I could not take up the offer. Lupepe always wanted me to work with Charles Mhlauri at Amazulu before I joined Bosso, but his management team did not play ball and I do not regret I chose Mantengwane.

Do people still sing Mantengwane?

Highlanders; What went wrong with Young Africans?

(This was the team team)

We played a brilliant 2-2 draw in Dar es Salaam and needed to see the video of the match we had played in Tanzania. 

That video could not be made available as it was meant for "pay-per-view" at a location in the western remote part of town, a certain Shisa Nyama. I have not seen the video until now.

One advantage we had in Tanzania was the input of the Simba Football Club coach, Jamhuri Kihwelo, a former national team captain and a friend I had met in Brazil.

While not forthcoming with the information I needed as to how they defended or attacked, he shed light to a few possible tactics like their formation and their most influential players. I must admit the challenge of working with Rahman Rush Gumbo as head coach, Willard Khumalo as an assistant and Ernest Maphepha the Manager. 

These people had great playing history for the club in their distinguished careers. Gumbo had a work routine that only I wanted to improve. It worked for him before and he was comfortable with it.

Our training programs and schedules were solely a case of balancing the technical and tactical jobs and choosing the correct peak periods not to burn out before the climax or hitting peak after the climax of each period.

Rush was solely responsible for the results but we lost our jobs at the same time, despite getting the results. There was no one to blame.

The new Highlanders environment and the size of the responsibility for me were overwhelming. I had been Gumbo's coaching instructor in his coaching courses and therefore could not deputize him. It was two bulls in the same kraal, never easy on job ethics.

On the return leg against Yanga, our preparations were sluggish and arrogant. We trained less and the input was very average. The suggestion to practise penalties was scorned at because as coaches, we did not give the Tanzanians any chance against us.

We camped just after Windemere for most of the 2 weeks and moved to Cresta Churchill the night before the match. It was a very late arrangement to move camp. 

During the match, the right winger made a few dangerous entries into the final third on the right, and delivered a few crosses. We failed to rectify the situation, even though we had identified it early enough. 

I remember Barry Daka coming near the dug out and advising of the same, that the winger must be dealt with. Before he sat down, the cross was delivered and a header score to the far post.

A duplicate move resulted in the second goal later in the half. Players got desperate and fans got frustrated. Impatience in the attack made it difficult to get a goal. Anxiety and disbelief consumed the players and their energy levels dropped. 

Loss of concentration and desperation resulted in a penalty, with 5 minutes of play left. The fans had enough and ran onto the field in protest. I do not believe the penalty was genuine but the fans could not take another goal well.

The violence that followed the 3-0 loss at home in the return leg led to the ban in the Africa Champions League by the Confederation of African Football, CAF.

Highlanders played Jomo Cosmos

(Bosso rumoured to visit RSA  soon)

Few weeks after the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Highlanders Football Club, the team known as Amahlolanyama of the Mantengwane fame traveled to Johannesburg by road to play the then First Division side, Jomo Cosmos.

The trip was Bosso’s first in more than 25 years. The match took place at the Johannesburg Stadium attracting 20 000 spectators and ending 0-0.

The match raised awareness of Xenophobia attacks and money for the victims of hate crime that began to spread in informal settlements of South Africa.

The noble cause of the organizers was overshadowed by the rousing welcome the team received by those who relived the glory of yesteryears.

The anti-climax of the display on the pitch epitomized what many shuddered to think about, that their beloved Highlanders had become a toothless bulldog.

Zimbabweans in Bulawayo knew how badly the team had deteriorated, but for everyone else, the state of denial never left until the fateful afternoon.

The once mighty team of the nation were indeed the weeping boys of the game they owned. Prior to the trip, the club faced disciplinary action and the magistrates’ courts for different reasons.

Fans had rioted at matches and the several debtors attached club equipment and property. The coach was Mohammed Fathi of Egypt, and a few months later, he took the club to the labor court to demand his payments. 

In short, the club had no money but plenty of debts.




Many people could not believe how average a team like Highlanders can become. You may have thought Bosso players had an opportunity to display their skills.

Highlanders; Did you know?

(Tshilamoya)

Highlanders Football Club was the first club to undertake a European tour in 1986 when the team toured Germany.

The successful trip profited the team as they had two luxury buses donated by their hosts. Willard Mashinkila Khumalo ?(mhsrip) and Madinda Ndlovu secured contracts that kept them there until the twilight of their careers.

Bosso had also achieved a first in becoming the first football club in Zimbabwe to engage the services of a foreign coach. Bobby Clark became responsible for the well-oiled development programs and coach education.

Years after he left, training sessions still dwelt on his imaginative physical sequential warm–up routine named after him.

The Bobby Circuit was a complete dynamic wholesome and rhythmic group exercise that catered well for a huge number of people.

Paired according to size, stamina, and speed, players would jog thrice or so around the pitch in two rows. 

The leading pair would sprint for about 10 meters and then revert to the jog, and then the next two would do the same overtaking the leaders, and keep a 10-metre distance ahead of the leaders and so forth until the leaders were in their initial leading position.

Next, in a similar fashion, it would develop into a zig-zag sprint until, again, the leaders were ahead of the pack and every pair had their turn. The leaders determined what came next and they would wait until all had their turn.

Those in front would then bend over, feet astride for the next pair to jump over them. The third pair would jump over the first and crawl under the next two, all at very high pace.

Highlanders merchandise; What do you have?

The Bosso sons

What Highlanders Football Club merchandise do you own? 

Replica jerseys, mug, sticker, pen, writing pad, jersey, scarf, cap, beanie/monkey face, pyjamas, key-holder, cosset, door mat, wall paper, stapler, bottle opener, cellphone cover, bed sheets, bed cover, towel, kid nappies, tissue paper and other merchandise?

Of whatever you have, which one is genuine and helping the club? If not, ungumbulali. All fans and supporters must police piracy and eradicate it completely and speedily. 

The first port of call for all, is ensuring the Bosso merchandise is legit and all must have it. The club must quickly assign few people to produce a set of items for a certain commission and the supporters' base must ensure that there is no unlicensed sell of these goods.

The Bosso Legends were at the forefront of the Funeral Plan and Medical scheme concept. It must be taken further and very seriously. Again, astute business people who love money must be tasked with the project.

Utilising people who are not hungry for money is a death sentence to success. The idea dies before conception. Due diligence cannot be left to the whim of those celebrating mediocrity.

Business people who want success, who will diligently follow every cent and take no nonsense have to be identified and tasked to run a business in conjunction with or on behalf of the team.

The questions that need to be answered are; would you not join the  Highlanders F.C Funeral Plan? Will you not buy the Bosso merchandise? Funeral Plan and Medical Aid need to be made global and payments available online.

The club must cede branding merchandise rights to sell everything from vuvuzelas, baby nappies, blankets, coffee mugs, umbrellas, side mirror socks, car bras, stickers, balloons, seat covers, tablecloths, doormats, or swim wear.

These products must be worldwide. Opening a merchandise shop at Emagumeni and displaying everything the team has ever won would make it attractive.

Displaying the pictures of the history of the team would make selling memorabilia even easier.

In South Africa, the Premier Soccer League gave a percentage of sponsorship money for the people who negotiated the deals, and that changed the South African, and indeed African league football.

Other projects to be embarked on include the use of the club colours and flags on branding taxis and buses.

The legends can be tasked with such as they have time and focus to pursue these ideas totally and harness the complete potential of the brand as they self-advertise by their presence.

Highlanders must not be a burden of people from outside. How the team survives on charity like an ‘Old People’s Home’ was taboo and must never be repeated.

More often than not, the selfish protection of the team’s brand gets its potential sterilised to the detriment to the pregnantation of the locked up potential.

Old culture and outdated view points stunt the growth of the club’s finances and renders the followers the laughing stock.

Until when? What Highlanders need right now, is, you and I.

From the book; "What Highlanders Need Right Now! currently available on www.amazon.com as an e-book, Kindle version and paperback for $0.99 limited promotion. Keutsepilemang Ndebele is a former Highlanders Football Club Technical Adviser (2001), currently Technical Adviser and Video Analyst at Witbank Spurs FC.

What Highlanders need right now - the Business Plan

The ocean is made up of many drops of water. The key will be working together here for the love and worthy cause of iBosso. The ultimate source of the Club’s survival is in the people who love the team.

This business plan takes the Club’s finances to a different level. It involves you, your family and friends and every Highlanders fan that you may know, and their friends. 

All this can easily be done in the comfort of your home, office or on the move.



As a match ticket price of $10 a book, if all you, your family, friends and Facebook friends and their friends make a purchase, half the net purchase price will go towards the Club’s coffers, subject to their approval.

After relevant taxes and publication costs, you will realise this is not much if it is just the two people. Sparing $10 a month whether you love Highlanders or football is not a big expense. It may be that you just love this site.

All you need to do is make sure you use social networks and ask your friends to be part of the solution. It must become second nature to you and your pals to make a monthly purchase.

The updates of the e-book will be available to you at the going price. Efforts to get freshest and useful information will be encouraged by the responses. For all in the diaspora, teaching others the use of online purchases and book downloads is encouraged.

In many parts of the world, it is normal practise but there are areas where confidence to make online purchases is low. As the best e-Books publisher is used, the process is very safe. 30 000 copies 12 times a year will leverage the team’s well-being in a big way. It will be easy to track the amounts generated and tax paid. There are more advantages.

With over a potential 360 000 copies annually, a healthy net profit would almost reach a million dollars. This is just part of the deal. Immense marketing by the fans and supporters would push the figures higher. It is something different that can be done from all over the world and at any time.

Purchases by friends who do not know the team or have interest in the game will actually be what the team needs right now. This will be a guarantee amount in the clubs’ budget and it will be better and bigger with time.

The benefits of this are obvious and immense as they have a direct impact. You will be contributing to the team irrespective of where you are. Internet is everywhere for you to access the download. With internet frauds common, at least you will be certain there is person responsible for the whole process. 

The accountability and transparency of the intention and process is for the world to see. To expedite the plan, there are no people trying to group here. The process of committees does not come into it. The meetings and forming quorums is not involved or drawing up constitutions.

There will be no need to open bank accounts and have signatories to disburse the funds. As private as this is, there is one man accountable. The publisher gets the payments and deposits funds in a bank account after deducting taxes and publication fees.

At a cost of a cup of coffee and a sandwich from you and a few friends, together we can do more. The success of the initial project will turn this e-Book into your magazine based on www.tsendex.blogspot.com or on its own.

The system works very effectively with any leadership in place and is long term. To be a successful, the sustenance must endure despite being a personal sacrifice to help the team.

As much as it is not an easy to trust or be trusted, it is a risk one must take, because there is strength in numbers, especially those who claim to have the team at heart.

In your community, ensure all your colleagues make the purchases. Look at it as making a purchase and enjoying the product while your responsibility to help is done. It is about what the team gets for the product you buy and own.

Readers who are not even followers or lovers of the team will be making their purchases too. Take responsibility and take action. Sitting and watching other teams being innovative got the team nowhere.

Supplementing the Club's coffers in general and specific ways must not be an individual’s burden. This must involve all in every corner of the planet and any aliens from elsewhere who have no doubt known Mantengwane in years gone by. Highlanders have suddenly become a breeding ground for players who get window dressed and snapped for a song, if not free.

All can help. Your pledge for the love and worthy cause of Tshilamoya and encouraging others makes one an asset to the team and that is invaluable. This virgin project cannot wait for people from other teams to copy the idea and even make it a success while we dilly-dally. Being not first and expecting the team to be, is naïve.

Getting new players or paying sign-on fees for those retained will be easier. Paying your life membership at $80 and your annual subscriptions is key. Maybe it is now possible to join online at the moment. Try to get someone to do it too.

While that financial independence vehicle is moving forward, a parallel and complementary system needs an immediate and effective implementation. We will discuss that in the next series.

Of a large population in the diaspora claiming have the love of the team, the worthy cause of Bosso should spur all and sundry to pay a match fee of $2.

The team plays friendly matches and around forty matches per season are played. Given the distance and inaccessibility of online banking and the club’s bank account details, these funds have to be deposited in a piggy bank every weekend until the last match.

Year after year and with growing numbers, the club would realise over $2 400 000 annually, besides the cash from this book or magazine sales.

As all business ventures, the contract between the club and co-ordinators of the projects should be specific and make financial sense to the parties involved.

Revisiting income projections, the assumption is the 30 000 (very small figure this) ‘diasporans’ faithfully contributing their $2 for 40 matches (weeks) in a season. It amounts to $60 000 a week,
and over 40 weeks, it is mega bucks.

If all get the copies of this book as pointed out earlier, the annual income from the supporters will surpass a $4 000 000 figure. Surely, the club would do with that amount for the salaries and transfer market as well as junior or youth development projects.

It is in this way that the fans can suggest and adopt projects to be undertaken without the burden of the executive committee. There is too much expectancy and dependency of the leadership of the club led people to sit and only question what the bosses are doing with one, two, three. Do not ask, act.

The issue of risk and mistrust kept many people at bay and under those conditions, the team almost suffered a natural death. Operating under any institution requires scruples and true commitment. 

The ridiculous attitude that is symbiotically devoid of transparency and results cannot be acceptable to true fans. 

Your suggestions and concerns in many platforms cannot be a barometer of passion, but maybe Only a show-off of your intellect and societal standing. All must appreciate that one's activity and contribution at any given time will have an impact. 

Your keen interest about what is going on at the club, must equally and crucially be matched is what is coming from the fans’ pocket into the club. That is symbiosis.

That is what all 30 000 beautiful fans of Highlanders should be thinking. Of all the calculations and
assumptions, the belief is that 30 000 is a minimum number of people who would watch the team if the opportunity arose.

Frankly, that figure is too generous. I believe that number is double. It would not matter if all were negative individuals who contribute nothing. Imagine if only two people were committed to the worthy cause. That would count for nothing.

While there may be a strong supporter base on the ground, it is usefulness if it is still to be realised and utilised. The structures will have to be set up, but to many, the supporters’’ role is to question and query.

These institutions need to take aim at one target over a year or so and accomplish something meaningful. The need to materialise some dreams for the benefit of the club and team tops the agenda of growth-minded bodies.

With the potential revenue of the club supporters, in case the executive becomes ‘unhelpable’ by refusing such funds as once experienced before, or are not cooperative in accepting fans’ donations, $5 000 000 that can be raised annually can rebuilt The Clubhouse.

Without a shadow of doubt, over 10 years, a stadium can be built. The opportunities are endless for the openminded, but how open is your mind?

The Club needs radical changes to the approach of fundraising and engage an aggressive business plan.

From the book; "What Highlanders Need Right Now! currently available on www.amazon.com as an e-book, Kindle version and paperback for $0.99 limited promotion. Keutsepilemang Ndebele is a former Highlanders Football Club Technical Advisor (2001).

How Highlanders FC operated

Money in the game is in TV, technical sponsorship and endorsements. If there should be anything on TV, boy it better be good to watch.

Are Bosso there yet? Be it on the screen or pitch, fans want to see enjoyable football. The more it is attractive, the happier the sponsors are. Since the days of tobacco touchline advertising in the stadia ended, Induna Foods took giant steps in helping Highlanders in yesteryear. They did their part.

Brewers of liquor and beer would only be interested in the global picture to carter for all teams and the league. The corporate support will join hands with sound leadership and lack of such scares the lot out of them.

How interactive they become with the club depends on the confidence they have in that leadership. The decision-makers want to go to bed knowing their investment is pregnant.

What may not be a bad idea at all is to transform the Club and turn it into a company. South African teams have done that successfully. While people fear that it tends to become a personal property with a corporate structure, the same people are not paying a cent towards the up keep of the Club.

Highlanders need to think big to make the Club a global brand like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. FC Barcelona is always another example. Someone must take the decision.

List the Club as a company on the stock market. In that way, interaction with the outside footballing world becomes feasible. Twinning with American and European clubs like LA Galaxy, Barcelona or Arsenal and even Asian for that matter, would mean that the Club is working at a higher corporate level that calls for more professionalism.

South African clubs are also well equipped to enter strong partnerships with the Club, since the league relies on the talent produced in Zimbabwe. It boils down to the professionalism of the Club management.

The card-carrying Highlanders FC members headed to the polls to vote for the next Committee to run the affairs of the club. The question of the quality and validity of the voters is a perennial doubt.

Hiring mercenaries for a dime may get someone elected to lead the Club. Administrators like Ndumiso Gumede, Malcolm King, Ilan Elkaim, Roger Muhlwa and Wyatt Mpofu tried to make
the club respectable.

The team won Chibuku Trophy, Rothmans and Independence Cups and Heroes Shields and many championships.

The issue of revenue always attracted diverse opinions. Some would infringe on the constitution of the club. As shown later on, there is a way out. 

Since those days, the Club entered into an agreement with a supermarket chain, Buscod to pay staff. The Inscor Group also donated a percentage of their bread sales to the club. Both situations are not enough to take the club’s finances out of the murky waters.

Over the years, sale of memorabilia injected a small steady stream of income. Fake prints were the thorny part. With the sea of black and white T-shirts and umbrellas, only a small percentage would be genuine Bosso material and many people did not care.

There has been suggestions of getting the 4000 registered members to pay US$5 monthly to raise US$20 000 for the upkeep of players. It was thought that if the same number actually paid US$50, the US$1 500 000 would fit the annual budget of the club.

Bosso supporters can do much better. It is high time things and attitudes changed, if taking the serious step you are about to read will be a success. The assumption is that if the 30 000 football loving BF crowd would pay a similar annual fee at the start of the season a certain amount of cash would be raised.

Usually, people want to pay for something. One cannot be sure about how buying or building a Highlanders Stadium at the Club House will generate revenue, as many think. Of course in the long term, but Bosso needs solution now to get there.

The perception is that the Club House itself underutilised. For that reason, wild suggestions of selling the property have flown but that is being mischievous. 

From the book; "What Highlanders Need Right Now! currently available on www.amazon.com as an e-book, Kindle version and paperback for $0.99 limited promotion. Keutsepilemang Ndebele is a former Highlanders Football Club Technical Advisor (2001).