A century of black and white football joy

Limukani Ncube, Intake Editor

A HUNDRED years after a group of young men gathered in Bulawayo’s Makokoba suburb to form a football team called Lions, the black-and-white institution they created has grown into one of Africa’s most iconic community clubs.

As Highlanders Football Club celebrates its centenary, its story is not just about trophies and famous victories — it is a story of unity, identity and generations of supporters who turned a football team into Ithimu yezwe lonke, the Nation’s Team.

Affectionately known as Bosso, the club has transcended generations, inspiring millions of supporters across Zimbabwe and beyond. Songs, celebrations and legendary victories have followed the team for a century, turning Highlanders into far more than a football club — it is a cultural institution.

From Lions to Matabeleland Highlanders to Highlanders
The story of Highlanders began in late 1926 when two brothers, Albert and Rhodes Khumalo, grandsons of the last Ndebele King Lobengula, founded a football club in Bulawayo.

The brothers, sons of Njube, had been sent to South Africa by the colonial Government to study agriculture and bookkeeping. While studying at Lovedale Institute in the Cape Province, Rhodes developed a deep passion for football.

Upon returning to Bulawayo, they formed a team made up of mainly young men from Bulawayo’s first suburb for black people, Old Location — today’s Makokoba. The club was initially called Lions and was launched in a house near the site where Siphambaniso Flats stand today, according to reports in The Chronicle and Highlanders Bulletin.

Among the founding members were Charlton Ngcebetsha, Nsele Hlabangana, Albert Khumalo and Rhodes Khumalo. Rhodes was the first captain of the side. Like many clubs of that era, the team even had an inyanga (traditional healer) whose charms and advice were believed to give the players supernatural strength and protection during matches.

However, as football grew in popularity, tribal identities increasingly became attached to teams. In 1937, the club changed its name from Lions to Matabeleland Highlanders. Other teams emerging based on ethnicity during the period included (Bulawayo) Mashonaland FC, now Zimbabwe Saints, Gazaland, Combined Midlands, Mutambara United, Northern Rhodesia, Charter FC, United Africa, Rusape and Manicaland, playing in the Bulawayo African Football Association, later to change to Bulawayo Amateur Football Association.

As time wore on, professional football was birthed and teams like Bulawayo Wanderers, Eastlands, British South Africa Police, Cobras, City Pirates, Rangers emerged from Bulawayo to compete under the Rhodesia Football Association banner and faced big teams of the yesteryear era that were prominent like Arcadia, Mangula, St Pauls, Rio Tinto (Cam and Motor), Wankie and Dynamos coming into the scene later in 1963 for a national league that we know today as the Premier League with subordinate structures from Division Three that feed upwards.

After the release from detention of nationalist leader, the late Vice-President Joshua Nkomo in 1975, he encouraged clubs to adopt names that promoted national unity rather than regional identities. Following that guidance, later, Matabeleland Highlanders became simply Highlanders, while Mashonaland United changed to Zimbabwe Saints.

Highlanders inaugural First XI
According to the Highlanders bulletin, Highlanders’ first recognised team that played at the 11th Street Ground in Makokoba featured the following pioneers: Albert Khumalo (Goalkeeper), Charlton Ngcebetsha, Rhodes Khumalo, James Chilongotsha, Jeremiah Nxumalo, Peter Lufoma, Godfrey Mkhwananzi, Siphambaniso Khumalo, Samuel Mlilaya, Nsele Hlabangana and Dan Gasela. Other players who featured prominently in the early 1930s included Denis “Mbayiwa” Sibanda, Joy Ndlovu, Irvine Gasela and Samuel Mlilo. These players laid the foundation of a football institution that would grow into one of the most successful clubs in Zimbabwe.

A cosmopolitan club from the beginning
Despite persistent myths over the years, Highlanders has always been a cosmopolitan and multi-racial club. Former player and board member Vana Hlabangana, son of former club president Nsele Hlabangana, who played in the inaugural team, is on record saying the club has reflected a national outlook since its formation.

“My father always told me that Highlanders has always been a team for everyone. It is not surprising that we have supporters from every corner of the country and even neighbouring countries. Highlanders is one of the greatest teams in Africa, and we should all be proud of that.”

According to Hlabangana, the original squad already reflected diversity.
“There were Ndebele-speaking players, including King Lobengula’s grandsons Albert and Rhodes, who formed the club. There were also four Zambian players and four Shona-speaking players when the club was born. My father used to be upset by the tribal fights that occurred at matches because Highlanders united everyone from the beginning. People must know that this club represents the whole nation.”

However, he said a concern from supporters back then, regarding players brought from other parts of the country, was that some of those players disappeared when crucial matches approached. At that time, contractual issues were not closely followed.

Hlabangana added that some of the players who played major roles include the likes of Edward Dlamini, Edward Dzowa, Mackenzie Sibanda, Josiah Nxumalo, Billy Sibanda, Majuta Mpofu and Lawrence Phiri, when the club continued to grow. The club also had players from the white and coloured community from way before independence, such as Boet va Ays (Bhuduvanasi).

Rise through the leagues
Highlanders’ growing reputation eventually earned them a place in the Rhodesia National Football League. In 1969, the club entered Division Two and immediately made its mark by winning the championship in 1970 and earning promotion to Division One.

Although they were briefly relegated the following season, a new administration led by then Magwegwe businessman Alfred Zwambila stabilised the club financially and administratively.
In 1973, Highlanders were back in the topflight league, winning three consecutive regional leagues, one national league play-off and the Chibuku Trophy.

Zwambila was among the first impressive list of chairpersons to run the club way back, which has Albert Magagula, Douglas Mkhwananzi, Elijah Mthimkhulu, Jonathan Mhlanga, Njini Ntutha, Landkart Gumpo and Mtshena Sidile, among others.

Following the setting up of a five-member executive structure and constitution in 1973, as Silas Ndlovu became British-style manager (coach), Highlanders was to introduce a board of directors in 1975. The board was formed to guide policy and oversee governance and protection of legacy and assets, with the daily running of the club left to the executive — a structure that largely remains in place today, with Luke Mnkandla leading the board and Kenneth Mhlophe chairing the executive.

The club was financed from time to time by local businessmen, some who never sought to hold office like the late Rtd Col Tshinga Dube. And names such as Taffi Moyo, whose association as a benefactor of the club dates back to 1934, as he also offered his home for camping at 072 Mzilikazi, still ring among the Highlanders faithful whose unwavering support has carried the club this far.

Transport was provided by companies like Pelandaba for decades, with Induna Foods, Harvey Tiles and Cosmos Cellular coming in at the turn of the new millennium as part of sponsors, and some office bearers also used their personal funds to support the team in times of need.

Over the years, many businesspeople and corporates from across the country have helped the club, with the latest benefactors led by businessman Wicknell Chivayo, such as Sakunda Holdings, who are the anchor sponsor, Better Brands, Utande Internet Services, Corporate 24, Kings Bullion Services, CBZ, Pula Water, Nyaradzo Funeral Services and Sanctuary Insurance services, among others.

In 1963, some club members broke away to form Cobras Football Club. The same happened in 1977 when Olympics was formed, yet Highlanders continued to hold on and progress as a united force, defying the ambers of the political volatility of the late 1970s.

The following are some of the club’s executive committee leaders of yesteryear until recent years: Rhodes and Albert Khumalo, Sithani Chipps Ngwabi, Jacks Masimini, Charlton Ngcebetsha, a Ngwenya, a Mafu, a Nyathi, Nicholas Mabodoko, Ngoni Male, William Ngwenya, Makhubalo, Mtshena Sidile, Douglas Mkhwananzi, Landcart Gumpo, Ndumiso Gumede, Malcom King, J Dube, Silas Ndlovu, Vik Naik, Njini Moyo, Wyatt Mpofu, Roger Muhlwa, James Mangwana Tshuma, Isaac Mlilo, Peter Dube, Kennedy Ndebele, Enerst Sibanda, Themba Ndlela, Johnfat Sibanda and Kenneth Mhlophe (current chairman).
First major trophy and the birth of Bosso

Highlanders’ first major silverware came in 1973 when the club won the Chibuku Trophy, marking the beginning of a golden era. However, before that, the team had lifted the less prestigious Bullock Cup and Osborne Cup, Townshend and Butcher, Towungana Cup, Stanley and Livingstone Cup and Bafa League. It was during this period that the club acquired some of its famous nicknames like Bosso, Tshilamoya, Amahlolanyama, Ezimnyama Ngenkani, High High and Cup Kings. Songs celebrating these achievements echoed across stadia as supporters celebrated the club’s growing dominance.

A club of firsts
According to former chairman, the late Ndumiso Gumede, Highlanders pioneered several milestones in Zimbabwean football. Among them: First Zimbabwean club to undertake a foreign tour after Independence in 1980, playing City of Lusaka in Zambia home and away. First local club to travel to Europe, where they played in Germany in 1987 and also visited Aberdeen in Scotland in the same year.
Highlanders toured Swaziland in 1985, a trip believed to have given birth to the present club logo, which has a shield, spear and club, having stolen a leaf from Mbabane Highlanders’.

Bosso also became the first community club to own a camping house and clubhouse after they realised the importance of investing in real estate. In the 1970s, Highlanders had an office in Makokoba near Big Bhawa and moved to Lobengula Street and Sixth Avenue at the Old Cabs Building soon after Independence.

As a team of firsts, Bosso were the first team to export a player to the English First Division, now the Premiership, in 1991.

In the process, Peter Ndlovu made history by becoming the first African player to move straight to the prestigious league.

Another former Highlanders star, Bruce Grobbelaar, had made the giant leap in 1981 when Liverpool brought him on board from Crewe, who had signed him on from Vancouver Whitcaps of Canada.

While other players of African descent were involved in the English Premier League before, Ndlovu is highlighted as the first to be signed directly from an African club (representing indigenous African talent) rather than being born or raised/groomed in England or Europe. These achievements helped cement Highlanders’ reputation as a trailblazer in Zimbabwean football.

After Peter Ndlovu, several players who have gone through the first team and youth system like Zenzo Moyo, Madinda Ndlovu, Tito Paketh, Willard Khumalo, Rahman Gumbo, Mercedes Sibanda, Methembe Ndlovu, Noel Kaseke, Edward Mashinya, Vusumuzi Nyoni, Marvelous Nakamba, Teenage Hadebe, Kuda Mahachi, Benjani Mwaruwari, Honour Gombami, Richard Choruma, Thulani “Biya” Ncube, Dazzy Kapenya, Mubariki Chisoni, Joel Luphahla, Wayne Albertyn and Thabani Moyo have all played abroad with varying levels of success.

Home to foreign players and coaches
Highlanders were also the first to bring in a coach from Europe when Bobby Clark (Scotland) came in early 1983. He was followed by Tony Smith in 1985. Other European coaches were the likes of Eddie May (2001–03), Erol Akbay (2016-2017), Pieter de Jongh (2019/2025), Mark Harrison (2020), who had a brief stint due to the outbreak of Covid-19 and Baltemar Brito, a Brazilian-Portuguese coach who was with Highanders from June 2022 to December 2023. The club was also home to Tony McIlveen (Northern Ireland), who joined Highlanders in 1972 from Irish League side Crusaders. Another European was Geoff Wheeler (United Kingdom/Europe) who came in the 1990s. Other notable names were American television star Andrew Shue, Kelly Jacobson and Kirk Friedrich, among others who might not have featured prominently. The club was also home to Zambian greats like Freddie Mwila, Dickson Chama and Kelvin Kaindu, (who played and coached the club). The club also brought in Egyptian coach, Mohamed Fathi.

The great Highlanders debate: Which was the best team?
Across generations, Highlanders have produced many great squads. But among supporters and former players, three teams often stand out.

The 1973 pioneers
Many in the older generation believe the 1973 team that won the Chibuku Trophy was the greatest. Former player and administrator Vana Hlabangana is among those who hold that view.

“It might be because it was the beginning of everything, but I believe the 1973 squad was the best. It had results and entertainment,” he said in an interview in 2021, when the club was celebrating its 75th anniversary.

The 1973 team that went on to do well till 1976 had the likes of Lawrence Phiri, Majuta Mpofu, Josiah Nxumalo, Tymon Mabaleka, Boet Van Ays, Martin Kennedy, Billy Sibanda, Calvin Duberly, Zenzo Dabengwa, Ananias Dube, Peter Bepe, Tommy Masuku, Isaac Mafaro, Chutika Tembo, James Nxumalo, Josiah Nxumalo, Tembo, Bruce Grobbelaar, Barry Daka, Stanley Nyika, Peter Zimuto, Itai Chieza and Jeffrey Mpofu.

However, the dominant 1980s team, many argue, may take the gong; it too had flair and class and left many memories that still stand today and was the foundation of the two league championships won in 1990 and 1993. Board member Peter Dube is on record saying he believes that team had everything.

“I believe the team that had Alexander Maseko in the 1980s was the best. People talk about what they saw and that team had everything.”

Players in the squad included the likes of Madinda Ndlovu, Willard Khumalo, Mercedes Sibanda, Amin Soma-Phiri, Netsai Moyo, Thoko Sithole, Tanny Banda, Richard Ndlovu, Titus Majola, Douglas Mloyi, Peter Nkomo, Dumisani Ngulube and Dumisani Nyoni, David Phiri, Fanuel Ncube, Tobias Mudjambanje and Tito Paketh.

The millennium champions
A new generation of supporters often points to the turn-of-the-millennium team that won four consecutive league titles from 1999 to 2002. Coached first by Rahman Gumbo and later by Eddie May, the team was, for the better part, captained by Thulani “Biya” Ncube. The team included the likes of Dazzy Kapenya, Bekithemba Ndlovu, Richard Choruma, Gift Lunga (Jnr), Edmore “MaMkhwebu” Sibanda, Zenzo Moyo, Simon Sibanda, Noel Kaseke, Melusi Ndebele, Joel Luphahla, Thabani Masawi, Johannes Ngodzo, Blessing Gumiso, Melusi Sibanda, Siza Khoza, Sauso Phiri, Alexander Phiri and Charles Chilufya, among others.

The team also had added firepower from players brought in from Zimbabwe National Army sides that included Eddie Nyika, Eddie Dube, Melody Wafawanaka and goalkeeper Brito Gwere.
The club was to win another title in 2006, their last one, under coach Methembe Ndlovu, driven by Johannes Ngodzo, Honour Gombami, Gilbert Banda, Zephaniah Ngodzo, Tapuwa Kapini, Ralph Matema and Vusa Nyoni, among others.

While the club had many coaches who became darlings among supporters, Ali “Baba” Dube, who was a juniors’ mentor for a long time, stands tall among the top coaches at the club.

The Bosso legacy
For a century, Highlanders have won nearly every trophy available in Zimbabwean football. They have gone to participate in the Caf continental competitions, however, with little success. But their greatest achievement may not be the silverware. It is the millions of supporters who have sung, celebrated and suffered with the team through generations. The black and white jersey represents identity, pride and belonging. As one lifelong supporter, Bongani “Mthombeni” Ndebele said:

“Those boys in black and white have won almost every trophy. But more importantly, they have won the hearts of the people. They represent more than just football. They represent the soul and heartbeat of a people.”