Lovemore Dube
TWENTY-EIGHT years after surviving a financial meltdown that threatened to bring the club to its knees, Highlanders are once again battling the same old enemy — debt.
The story was initially published on January 21, 2026. Ten months later, Bosso remain in crisis, with debts understood to be around US$500 000 and strikes over unpaid salaries overshadowing the club’s centenary celebrations.
As the club heads into Sunday’s annual general meeting in Bulawayo, questions about financial survival, leadership and accountability are taking centre stage.
In 1998, Highlanders faced possible auction of their clubhouse, offices and Hotel California, while players were disgruntled over unpaid salaries.
A new executive led by chairman Roger Muhlwa, alongside secretary Peter Dube, treasurer Lazarus Sibanda, vice-chairman Shadreck Sibanda and committee member Liqhwa Gama, inherited a club in serious financial trouble.
The crisis was compounded by uncertainty on the pitch following Madinda Ndlovu’s departure, with Ernest Sibanda taking over as manager.
The turnaround came through a bold decision to appoint former player Rahman Gumbo, then a relatively inexperienced coach whose previous experience extended to Division Two.
Gumbo delivered two successive league titles, laying the foundation for further success under Eddie May.
The rebuilding exercise involved releasing ageing players and looking beyond established names to recruit hungry talent from lower divisions.
Among those who helped transform the team were Dazzy Kapenya, recruited from Corrugated FC, and Blessing Gumiso from relegated Mutare United. Other additions included Joel Luphahla,
Sautso Phiri, Tapuwa Kapini, Darlington Phiri, Joe Kabemba, Britto Gwere, the late Adam Ndlovu, Charles Chilufya and Richard Choruma.
The rebuilding eventually helped Highlanders become the second club in Zimbabwean football history to win four consecutive league titles.
Muhlwa said the club was already in serious trouble when his executive took over.
“Highlanders had been declared insolvent and heavy in debt, its properties had been attached and ready for auction. Our stars of the past decade were over the hill and now a problem at the club. Serious decisions were to be made which meant retiring some and releasing some to other clubs like Lovemore Ncube and Lenny Gwata to Dynamos,” he said.
He said the executive prioritised commitment and talent over financial demands.
“I am happy when we said those that want to play for Highlanders on one side and those who want money on the other end, we had a very good response from the young and unheralded players who defied all odds to make Highlanders successful with their performances,” said Muhlwa.
He also credited the recruitment strategy that saw coaches scout talent in the lower divisions.
“We encouraged coaches to go and watch lower division teams in Bulawayo to identify players and I am proud Rahman Gumbo and Benjamin Moyo listened and helped us assemble a team that went on to dominate four years,” said Muhlwa, who did not seek re-election in 2000.
Financial discipline was equally important. Muhlwa said the executive approached the bank, arguing that the club’s biggest assets were its players and that attractive football would bring supporters back to the stadium and generate revenue.
Bank manager Devine Ngwenya agreed to an arrangement under which bank staff handled gate collections, with the proceeds deposited directly for debt repayments.
“The boys played exceptionally well and stadia began to fill up and we cleared the debts. Roadshows were born, wherever we played, it was record crowds as people came to watch beautiful football that was being played by these boys,” said Muhlwa.
Almost three decades later, Highlanders are once again confronted by difficult questions about their financial future and governance.
With different stakeholders claiming ownership of the institution, concerns remain over who takes responsibility when the club faces mounting debts and financial distress.
Sunday’s AGM offers members an opportunity to demand answers and a credible recovery plan.
In 1998, Bosso survived through difficult decisions, youth recruitment, financial discipline and renewed support from fans. Today, the club needs the same urgency, accountability and collective commitment.
As Highlanders mark 100 years, the challenge is no longer simply about preserving their football legacy, but ensuring the institution remains financially sustainable for the next generation.
