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 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.

Does Highlanders F.C Bosso really need sponsorship? I do not think so

In the advent of financial hardship in the game of football and life in general, every penny's value can never be over emphasised. The art of the begging bowl has been mastered by the unfortunate mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, who pose in street corners and traffic lights asking for 'Help' or 'Uncedo'. 

More often than not, I found myself sympathetically supporting those 'causes'. I have since stopped that act, as I became more generous and more reasonable. One cannot continue to sponsor and promote such a life style. 

Few weeks ago, Highlanders F.C played Dynamos F.C at Barbourfields Stadium. And not for the first time, nor the second, nor the third, nor the fourth, there was crowd violence and the match was abandoned.

The match against F.C Platinum saw violent scenes and teargassing of fans by police. This article will not discuss the merits and/or demerits of the police or match officials in both cases or any case for that matter.

One can be rest assured that whether Bosso plays Dynamos, Tsholotsho,Chapungu or whoever, the referee appointed by the powers that be, will come and do a job he is hired for; either to be neutral, to rob Bossolona or whatever. 

It must be born in mind too, that the overzealous policemen will also be ever available with sponsored teargas canisters. With all due respect, on each match day, alcohol will be there and will be consumed, usually to excess.

By the way, even a neutral referee on a good day will mess up, not once. What happens after the messed up affair, needs to be taken into context. How can the referee fix his fracas? How much chance and time does he have? Will players and fans give him that chance? Even if he cannot, can players fix it by defending/attacking better? They must, they are paid for that.

In many of these occasions, the general view of the Bossolonians and the neutrals, is that 'we was robbed'. Fair and fine, if that be the case, how does ensuing actions assist the fans and the club? If any activities by the referee or the police are a bait, Mantengwane seem to be a good fish.

Take the Bosso/Dembare issue, the matter saw the Disciplinary Committee (DC) sit and found Highlanders guilty, meting out a USD4000 fine and match forfeiture at a 3-0 scoreline. 

This is where I have issues, the USD4000 cash How far can this amount assist the club, and who is it going to assist? Probably a loan to Dynamos for the next match against Highlanders. 3-0 scoreline, can be recovered but how many seasons have goal differences and single points cost the team the titles? Another point for another day.

Soon after the abandonment that ill-fated match against Dynamos, fans embarked on a noble cause of action dubbed 'ASIFUNI BUMBULU'. Part of that campaign entailed each fan with 'black and white blood' in their veins to raise one USD in anticipation of the fine.

A certain amount has been raised already and will probably be (or has been) handed over to the club, maybe not all the USD4000. This must be commended in terms of the efficiency and commitment to pay over USD2000 in the said time.

Now, here is another issue. What do sponsors say if the brand they associate with gets dragged into mud at the swinging of the bait by the powers that be (football or political)? These sponsors know that sooner or later, Bosso will play Dembare and that the same referee (with a different mask) will be there. They know the same policemen will be there. It is a storm brewing. They ask themselves if the deal is worth it.

I have always wondered how much fines Bosso paid in 20 or 10 years. And there is no team with a better record. Then factor in the club's debt; how much in the red is the club? Sad.

 If it takes such a short time to raise that much money, let it be done regularly (monthly, quarterly) and pay the debts of the clubs. If the Zimbabwe Football Association funds get low, I have no doubt who they bank on for at least USD2000: the Bosso fans. They call them 'hooligans' or 'hoolies'. 

Could it be the reason why they make sure they appoint the referees to promote their cause, and penetrate the police force to respond to these matches? I am financially savvy to cease a money making opportunity. It is not rocket science. 

This is not to mean that Bossolonians must accept nonsense and to be push overs, but never ignore one fact; when a good referee makes a decision, he always thinks it is correct. If turns out to be wrong, it can never be reversed unless he has time to do so. Does he have that time?

When the decisions go against Highlanders, there is a drunk fool who will scream, shout and even jump onto the pitch or fight. When that happens, a sponsored policeman with cheap teargas and a button stick (and a dog too) will enjoy the mayhem. He becomes relevant in the equation.

The USD1 or USD10 you worked hard for, will be used to pay ZIFA debts or to sponsor their lifestyles at the expense of your family or team. If you are a true Bosso fan, would you work for Dynamos or Highlanders? To me, paying the USD1 towards 'ASIFUNI BUMBULU' is sponsoring the system of oppression and indiscretion. Let us pay it now but know where it is going. 

One must find ways to refuse discrimination and psychological abuse at matches besides the violence. So far, Harare can bank on Bosso 'fans' going on a rampage if they lose or concede against Dembare.  
I am sure they have an annual budget of the fines paid by Highlanders. They bank on it 100%. It is their free sponsorship. Sponsors will flee this brand and maybe the fans should actually sponsor the Highlanders themselves instead. Any more companies coming on board become a bonus.

Be wise tsotsi, be streetwise. Vuka kleva. Bosso cannot be the masters of the art of a begging bowl sponsoring Dembare and ZIFA at the expense of its own glory.

Highlanders; This is very painful

The current executive committee did a good job under the circumstances. They played their part well.
The late Colonel James Mangwana (Mangwana) Tshuma (MHSRIP) was the best, his work ethics and vision inspired many, and this executive committee should have taken a leaf.

Highlanders, being a big team, have a purpose whose arrival time is here. The greater Bosso family cannot sit and watch. The team has to come back. Have we forgotten the Black and White road shows of old? With loud music and the get downs? Why the clowning now?

Accepting to be average and mediocrity has seen trophies and championships slip through the fingers. Since when has the Cathedral of Football known as BF become a slaughterhouse of Amahlolanyama?

Tshilamoya has become an ordinary name. This is the year to take the team back, to set the standards. Bosso sets the standards and the pace and others follow. attended. The previous executive committee carried the aspirations and pride of the legion of followers, supporters and fans. They could have done much better.

The feeling of betrayal and abuse from the elected leaders is not easy to bear. The apathy of members in such important meetings and elections is as huge a concern.

The attitude of the team comes from the fans who take things for granted and that is gross. The team is supreme and people must respect the Club, the black and white colours, the stadium and the culture of winning.

It is Bosso's right to rule and rule it shall, and it is not a privilege. Less commitment to people’s responsibilities leads to the same attitude in team. Where is your passion? Highlanders F.C are not just a name, a team, a club or a personal property. It is a way of life. It is a lifestyle.

The fans are as guilty of the team’s performance. It is abuse to neglect renewing membership and paying subscriptions. That is criminal and must stop. Players put hours in the game and are blamed and yet supporters put nothing and they throw the first stones.

Cheap talk of fans made Bosso a vehicle of failure, a laughing stock. It must never be. One cannot expect the best from the team if they are not applying the best themselves. Attending meetings and voting wisely will eliminate the management problems. How many people attend and vote and how many cry foul?

People painted their dogs, houses, bicycles and regalia black and white. Many lost their lives for the team. (Their souls rest in eternal peace.) There are people who have lost families and relationships.

There are people who have no identity for the sake of the team. Some people are called Highlander, Bosso or Mantengwane and then you find the lack of seriousness going on in the club. No one is asking Mangwana Tshuma to rise up from the grave, or Zenzo Moyo and Thulani Ncube to don the
black and white shirts and play.

They did their part. The fans and executive must deliver and it is demanded of everyone involved. Bring the respect of the team back. Let the team bring fear to the foes.

Little teams now do not respect the team. They crawl left and right to touch the Bosso genitals willy-nilly. That must end and the bug must stops with you.

The truth of the Bosso book

The best things are happening to the club almost at the same time. The recently launched e-book, What Highlanders need right now! (CLICK THE LINK), has the potential to help the team finances if looked at objectively with all honesty. The book is basically the brief history of the club, the most popular posts about the club and team from this blog and a strong appeal to get fans out of their butts and work for Highlanders FC in their own way, where they are and for 12 months every year.

The e-book is available world-wide and the print version will be available soon. The book sale is a personal project about the club and by goodwill, the profit of between 35 and 70 % will be shared with the club at a 50% rate. As one goes through the book, it goes without saying why it is worth every penny. The 50% royalty to the club is a huge bonus which will be improved by the responses.

From my as a gardener, then a teacher, a locomotive mechanic, a football coach, a business person and salesman, going by the norms were my weaknesses. Conventional methods were always complicated and I think my progress in all spheres of life basically resulted from the principles. The debate of how one contributes to the success of the team could end here, even though the marketing may be unconventional. 

As honourable as the questions of how anyone can be sure if the club gets its share, understanding that from where one is, cash for personal entertainment will end up in the club's coffers is prudent. While efforts are underway to get the official position of the club to endorse the personal project for marketing purposes, at this point, it should be treated like any recording of the club song by any artist, only that in this case, the net profits enrich the club.

The undertaking comes at several attempts I made for the benefit of the club and the multitude of fans. A couple of years ago, I opened a well designed blog for the club, THE BOSSO BLOG which has since been de-registered for inactivity, for which I gave the big fishes the passwords to run it as they saw fit. Less enthusiasm encouraged me to run the blog myself for the club, provided the club could provide the information. The success was as uplifting as moving mountains.

Without losing hope, attempts to source relevant updates were rock-hard but I managed to squeeze a few grapevine stories which were sometimes be inaccurate. Those attempts will not lie down as I will not give up. All attempts are for the love and worthy cause of the team. In trying to group and mobilise, different opinions and conflict of interest always meant less progress and even retardation of mechanisms in place. The natural instincts for me are always to troubleshooting and brainstorming.

When it comes to such issues, nothing stops me. At this point, my part is done. You can play yours or dismiss it. Only the action oriented can be assets. The best part of the project is, to have a an attitude of just buying a book. That makes the purchaser lose absolutely nothing. Without the wait and see stance, does not really do much for the team or the author, nor indeed the buyer. All that can happen is other teams to be at the forefront of their similar projects and succeed.

At this moment in time, the encouragement I should be giving the reader is that the book is an excellent product for personal consumption. It would be more easier for many to confirm and prove what percentage of sales the club would actually get and that the club to confirm an official position. As certain as one can be, the executive is not obliged to endorse the project. It would naive to think the club would shun a donation, in which case I the Highlanders Academy or something like that would really utilise the funds, maybe the Legends.

Some faithful fans have branded the idea 'Awesome', being encouraged by the fact that it's a Kindle book that can be used on several mobile devices. It will be easy to pick journalistic flaws and professional author touches, but one will surely feel the passion.

At this point, pledging the support of the new executive led by Peter Dube is the least the supporters can do. The present Highlanders' executive's deputy is Sikhanyiso Moyo, secretary-general Andrew Tapela, Odiel Nkomo, the treasurer, and new committee member Charles Moyo. While their debt and budget deficit problems are minimal, they need a lot of cash to function to a level where the only worry will be the results.

The executive reportedly supported the technical department while still looking at the details of the situations at hand. There has been calls to appoint Willard Mashinkila Khumalo as the new Highlanders Academy Director to work with our junior coaches and help advising our senior coaches on academy players who would be ready to be promoted for first team.

Academy players like Mgcini Sibanda, Arnold Ndiweni and Knox Mutizwa gave a good accounts of themselves in th match they played last Sunday. Much of the second half had nothing to write home about until perhaps the introduction of these juniors. Even Bruce Tshuma who came in for Brighton Choto did well but it was the youngsters who stole the limelight with some forgotten dribbling skills that saw the few fans who were there cheering and some vuvuzelas suddenly being blown.

While other sentiments to have ceremonial Chief Executive Officer are doing rounds for the fans, it may not be a priority and the new members will be worried about familiarising themselves with the conditions on the ground.

CEO position has been thought to be best suited for Themba Ndlela or Kenny Ndebele, which would bring some conflict of interest according to some opinions. All such issues run away from the point of making money for the club. These CEOs would be employees who have to be paid. As a new Bosso culture, let our line of thought be towards putting money into the club and not drawing from the team's account. It starts with your purchase What Highlanders need right now! (CLICK THE LINK) and encouraging everyone else to do the same.

Peter Dube is Highlanders' new boss.

Following a rather tumultuous tenure by Themba Ndlela, Peter Dube stepped up and got the confidence of the voters in an election held at the Highlanders Club House. The Highlanders Football Club elections followed the Annual General Meeting at the same venue a week ago.

Peter Dube beat the incumbent by 184 votes to 143 while Mandla Moyo amassed 23 votes. The outgoing Chairman, Ndlela pledged to support the newly elected Dube and his committee.
Ndlela had taken a debt ridden Highlanders FC that faced legal actions over unpaid bills and wages and the Club property attached by the Deputy Sheriff.

Andrew Tapela beat Emmett Ndlovu and Donald Ndebele to retain his Secretary General portfolio. Tapela received 153 votes to Ndlovu 147 and 55 for Ndebele.

The committee member position went to Charles Moyo with 130 votes while Wisdom Mabhena got 122 compared to D Mabhena who managed 99.

The new beginning for the oldest football club benefited from the balanced committee as Dube will have to work with those with inside information. This is expected to provide smooth hand-over and take over.

In a match played at Luveve Stadium after the elections, Highlanders went down fighting against BMC of Botswana. Bosso trailed by an odd goal until an equaliser promised to balance up things. There was going to be a surprise winner for the visitors as the new chairman watched his charges for the first time after taking over the hot seat.

Highlanders FC Chairman’s Report – AGM 2012 (unedited)

Preamble

The 2011 financial year was not only a year to mark our 85 years of existence but marked the beginning of the revival of the club, against years where the club was on a free fall. Members might argue that one of our worst finishes in the league signaled the possible demise of the club, but what should be noted is that we have come out stronger financially and on our human resources front, which fundamentally are the basic cornerstones of a successful football club.

We would like to take this opportunity to remember those that passed on during the period under review and also honour those that persevered with the club in its greatest moments of need.

Team Performance

Premier League - 

The club finished 7th on the log in the premiership, a position which we last attained in 2008, which by all standards does not befit the club of our status. Many factors contributed to this, but amongst others the major contributories being as follows: 

a) Loss of key players at the end of the 2010 season.

b) Below par performance in the second half of the season

c) Enforcement of discipline in the team lacking.

Cup Competitions

Independence Trophy - The club won the independence trophy after accounting for its perennial rivals Dynamos FC in the finals. This is the first silverware to be won by the club since the 2006 season.

Banc Abc Super 8 - The club reached finals of this knockout tournament and lost to Motor Action at Barbourfields stadium to a solitary goal. Indeed the loss was heartbreaking and had huge financial implications on the club.

Mbada Diamonds Cup - After having been drawn against Zimbabwe Saints hopes were high that we were going to proceed to the later stages of this lucrative competition. Those hopes were quickly extinguished at the Colliery Stadium in the first round.

Invitational Tournaments  The club was invited to participate in a winner take all tournaments in Johannesburg South Africa against Bloemfontein Celtics, which we lost on penalty shootouts.

Club Administration 

The club continues to be the envy of all in Zimbabwe as a shining beacon of good administration; this on its own has seen a rise in interest from the corporate sector to partner our club. It is no accident that we have managed to clinch sponsorship deals with various corporate bodies, which has been the result of the high levels of professionalism that we have continued to show.

The Board and Executive working committees have improved the way we do things and have certainly ensured that high levels of integrity are observed. These committees now guarantee continuity to club programs as executives come and go. Some procedural manuals are now in place while others are being finalized.

This not only improves the effectiveness of the administrative systems but makes the work of administrators easy. Our target this year is to work towards certification in ISO 9000- 2008 quality management system.

Legal Matters

The following matters were dealt with and concluded:

a) vs Mohamed Fathi – Payment was made in full courtesy of a donation from the Hon Dr O Mpofu.

b) vs Madinda Ndlovu – the matter was decided in the club’s favour, however the club feels that it has a moral obligation to pay. Preliminary approaches have been made to have the matter settled between the parties.

c) vs Philani Mabhena – the case is still pending in the court of arbitration.

d) Vs Caps United – the case is still to be heard before an arbitrator.

Club Code of Conduct 

With the growth of the club and the change in football from being a mere pass time, it has become necessary that we come up with a comprehensive code of conduct which will ensure that members are bound by and understand the implications of their actions.

Behaviour of Fans

The club is concerned with the upsurge in unruly behavior by its fans and would like to appeal to the fans to behave in a sporting manner as the club has not only lost a lot of its hard-earned revenue to fines but has had to fork out money to repair its vehicles which were damaged by missiles at Barbourfields Stadium.

Football is a family sport and any violence at our matches drives away fans and sponsors. There is no sponsor that would want to associate their brand with violence.

The club would like to see the number of fans increasing by a further 50% in the coming season which will in turn improve its financial health.

Player Contracts

We are pleased to advise that the club has 35 registered players in its books with 24 of them being aged between 17 and 22 years, with contracts ranging between 3 and 5 years. It has not been easy to achieve this feat as we had some amongst us who would deflect good players to other clubs.

The tracking of our promising youth players in their respective age groups has been the major focus of your executive. The club has managed to resolve the perennial problem of yesteryear of panic signings to complete the required quota to meet registration deadlines.

We are currently not under any pressure to sign any players but will only do so at the convenience and affordability of the club.

Youth Development

The club changed its registration status from Highlanders Juniors to Highlanders Academy in line with its objectives of establishing a fully fledged academy. We are pleased to advise that our relationship with First Mobile Sports Academy is beginning to bear fruit as we have already received playing kit and tracksuits for two of our age groups as part of the fulfillment of the agreement.

During the year we had been offered four slots for our academy players to go to Denmark and Sweden which we failed to utilize due logistical challenges and unfounded suspicions that were there at inception.

Our technical teams are currently in the process of identifying players that will go and represent the club at this year’s Gorthia and Dana Cup Youth tournaments to be held in Sweden and Denmark respectively in June and July.

In line with our efforts of establishing a fully fledged academy we have since approached Milton High School to be our partners where we will be sending our players that the club will be taking care of. The school has offered us two training grounds, to which the first team is already having access.

Plans are at an advanced stage to establish school of excellence in various secondary schools in surrounding regions.

Junior League - Our youth teams came first in their respective age groups save for the U16 side, which came second.

Ajax Hotspurs Festival - Our under 14 side won the Ajax Hotspurs Invitational tournament whilst the U16 and U18 lost in the finals.

Kombami Africa Cup - Our U19 team participated in the above tournament in Plumtree and was knocked out in the semi-finals. Whilst our teams have been winning, it is certainly not the key objective of our academy, ours is to identify and develop talent as well as market it.

It is in this regard that our target in the next three years will be to market at least three (3) players to Europe which we hope will have a positive effect on the club’s finances as well as its profile as a rich ground for talent.

We intend to introduce the U12 age group to our Academy. This will be done through the introduction of a house league, which will be spearheaded by our former players.

Trip to Canada

As chairman of the club, I had been invited to attend a youth tournament in Canada in the month of December. The trip did not materialize as I was denied a visa on flimsy reasons.

It was a pity that we missed this opportunity of interacting with the top brains in Youth Development and creating contacts that were going to be forever helpful to club.

The trip did create an outcry from some sections of our membership, but to mention “our former players” who even had the audacity to write and complain to our sponsor why he was funding the trip. There was joy and celebration when news eventually came out that I was not going to make with exclamations "Thank God it failed".

It is a tragedy when we celebrate our own failure, it shows our deficiencies to the whole world that we are not united and we do not share the same vision. The organizers were very disappointed that I could not make it as they had expected me to make an address talking about Zimbabwean football and in particular Highlanders FC.

This was indeed a great opportunity that we will rue that we missed in a long period to come.

Technical Teams

The appointment of technical teams has been a major topic during the period under review. I would like to advise our members that the recruitment systems at the club ensure that the most suitable candidates for the job are employed. Technical team members are as follows:

Senior Team

Head Coach – Kelvin Kaindu; Assistant Coach - Bekithemba Ndlovu; Goal keepers Trainer - Tembo Chuma, Welfare Manager - Amin Soma Phiri; Team Doctor - Dr Xolani Ndlovu and Team Physiotherapist - Loyal Nyika.

Youth Academy  - Under 14 Coach - Dan Ngwenya; Under 16 Coach - Gift Lunga; Under 18 Coach - Siphatho Ncube; Division 2 Coach - Mark Mathe and Welfare Manager - Smart Moyo.

The position of Director of Coaching will be filled once a suitable candidate has been identified. Funds permitting the club will also engage a full-time scout.

Club Facilities

Main Club - The performance of the clubhouse is still way below expectations, with the catering section disappointing resulting in patrons shunning the facility. Catering is key to improved profitability therefore renewed efforts will be made to secure or provide better catering facilities.

Hlabangana Lounge - The lounge has been lying idle since 2008 and it had dilapidated to a sorry sight. Renovations have been undertaken courtesy of a donation from the Board Chairman. The lounge will serve as an executive lounge for members and will play host to important visitors of the club. Preparations for its opening are at an advanced stage and we have targeted its opening at the end of February.

Training Grounds - The training grounds remain in a deplorable state and efforts are being made to resuscitate them as the borehole has already been repaired and work is in progress to get the irrigation systems working. The youth teams are currently using the training grounds and efforts would be made to have one ground in a usable state by July.

Sponsorship

Official Club Sponsors are Banc Abc, Savannah Tobacco and Bakers Inn. The Club managed to secure sponsorship with Banc Abc in June 2011, which sponsorship will run up to the end of December 2013.

The Banc Abc sponsorship covers the following:

a) Payment of player and technical team salaries.

b) Supply of training and playing kit.

c) Hosting of the end of year stars awards.

The Buscod sponsorship ended on 31 December 2011 and negotiations are still underway for its extension. The Bakers Inn deal runs up to the end of March 2012. Savannah Tobacco has come back after a two-year absence, and the club is happy that the value of its brand has once again been recognized.

The club has already received some funding towards the payment of sign on fees; however, the full package will be released at the official launch, which will be held at a date to be advised.

Merchandising

This revenue stream performed below expectation as the company that we had contracted failed to deliver as promised. This area still remains a priority area as it has a lot of potential and would provide some measure of financial security.

Member Associations

The club encourages the formation of member groups as a way of mobilizing membership and increasing cohesiveness at a local level. Few associations are currently in existence, and your executive would like to assure members that now that the dust has begun to settle this area will receive priority.

We have associations that have led by example and deserve to be emulated as they have come in handy to the club in times of need.

Media Relations

Our relations with the media have not been acrimonious, we have over the period been engaging with the press on various issues that needed to be communicated to our members. However we note with concern the shift of late where reports about the club have been made without any verification with the club.

Some of the reports have been so misleading that they have created an impression that we are not of sound mind. Players have been signed and offloaded by the press on our behalf without us knowing throwing our credibility out of the window.

We strongly believe that our members deserve nothing but the truth regardless of whatever event is on our calendar. In line with that your club has taken a decision to revive the monthly newsletter which will provide our members and other interested parties the correct status of the club.

Prospects for 2012

The club realizes the need to improve on the team performance so as to meet the expectations of our various stakeholders who include among others , our sponsors ,our members, our fans as well as the whole football fraternity, because with the team under-performing it does not make football exciting.

We realize our role as the pacesetters in Zimbabwean football and we have thus ensured that everybody who is involved in delivering our product to our customers is managed through a performance driven management system. In this light our technical teams have been given performance related contracts to ensure that the club gets value for the money that it spends in the employment of these members.

Our major goal this season is to win the championship as well as to land one major cup tournament. 

Finishing in the top four will not be good enough. We know that our ambition might seem too high given the investments that other clubs have made, but we believe that money is not everything but just a means to an end, and hence ours will be to get the commitment of everybody in the Highlanders family to the club cause.

The commitment that we seek is not just from the members, but from the fans and from our sponsors, as everybody has a role to play. The slogan that says, “In Highlanders we are one”, must be rekindled. Gone are days when we will selfishly undo each other at the expense of the club, it is time that we reflect on who we are and what we believe and stand for.

No one has a right to ownership on the spirit “sikaMthwakazi”; we all share the same vision, with no one being better than the other is. As the leadership of the club, we stand guided by your expectations and those are also our expectations, it therefore means we must flow in the same tide and help each other along the way.

We will increase our marketing efforts in areas of merchandising and fan development. It is our target that we must have member representations in all major centres of Zimbabwe as we have since realized that this area can provide us with the fastest growth rates in revenue income as highlighted by our financial report.

The commitment that you have from members can never be exceeded by any as they are the owners of the club. With member charters as they are called it will be easy to sell and distribute our merchandise.

Acknowledgements

The club would like to thank the following members, individuals and institutions that helped fund its activities during the year. Dr O Mpofu, Bellevue Spar, First Mobile Sports Academy, Astra Supplies, Carol Sports, Michael Malani C C Sales, Inunu Tours, McNamara Lodge, Harare Supporters Association, Heart and Soul, Christel Dube, Zenzo Madonko, Ndoes Transport and G G Hardware.

We recognize that we might not be able to list everyone but would like to acknowledge everybody who made contributions towards the club and say “Lingadinwa Lakusasa”

Conclusion

The status of the club for the year reflects a very positive movement towards the right direction, where we our financial pulse can now be heard and our human resources have been strengthened. It certainly does not resemble an “Intensive Care Unit” as some have been putting it. It provides hope for better things to come and certainly sets the foundation for future success. With your support we will certainly go places.

T Ndlela

Chairman