Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
THERE was a calm but special feeling at Barbourfields Stadium on Thursday as people gathered for the National Culture Month launch. Among the many stands that showed the country’s rich heritage, one drew particular attention — the Highlanders stand.
President Mnangagwa made his way there, not in a rushed or formal manner, but with the ease of someone visiting something he admires. His visit said a lot about his long-standing backing for the club.
He spent time speaking with Highlanders vice chairman Fiso Siziba and head coach Benjani Mwaruwari, chatting in a relaxed and friendly way. It was not just a quick stop. Instead, it felt like a moment to pause and reflect on what the club means to so many people. As Highlanders prepares to celebrate 100 years, the visit came at the right time — a chance to look back at its journey and look ahead to what is coming.
As the President moved around the stand, he was shown some of the club’s most important trophies. Each one carried a story. Among them was the 2023 Independence Cup, won in Mount Darwin. This particular trophy stood as a reminder of efforts to take national events to different parts of the country. He also saw the Premier Soccer League trophy that Highlanders won three years in a row — a proud achievement that allowed the club to keep the trophy for good. These were not just pieces of silverware; they were memories of hard work, passion and victory.
Siziba then spoke to the President about the preparations for the club’s 100-year celebrations. It is a huge milestone, one that few clubs reach, and it means a lot to supporters who have stood by the team through good times and bad.
President Mnangagwa wished the team well and encouraged them to take the celebrations to the people, so that fans across the country can feel part of it. His message was simple but strong — Highlanders belongs to its supporters.
There was also a lighter moment during the visit. The President spoke to coach Mwaruwari and asked him how he was finding the move from playing football to coaching. It was a simple question, but one that showed interest in his journey. Many former players know that switching roles is not easy, but it is also a chance to grow and give back to the game.
To mark the visit, Siziba presented the President with a club portrait. It was a small but meaningful gesture, a sign of appreciation for his continued support.
For many people, the President’s visit did not come as a surprise. He has often shown his admiration for Highlanders, the oldest football club in the country. Over the years, he has supported the club in different ways, both in public and behind the scenes.
In February 2021, he hosted Highlanders at State House in Bulawayo, where he promised to assist the club with its mining venture. The meeting brought together key club leaders, including board chairman Luke Mnkandla and executive chairman Kenneth Mhlophe. It was during that visit that the President received a replica Bosso jersey, a moment that showed the close relationship between him and the club.
His support has gone beyond meetings and speeches. In August 2023, while speaking at a Zanu-PF rally in Cowdray Park, he praised Highlanders for their unbeaten run, and the crowd responded with loud cheers. On another occasion, he helped the club clear its team bus through Zimra, a practical move that made a real difference.
After Thursday’s visit, Highlanders released a statement to thank the President, expressing how much the moment meant to them.
“We are greatly honoured by the President’s visit to our stand and appreciate his best wishes to us as we prepare for our centenary celebrations. Since coming to power, the President has shown great love and support to sport and in particular to us as a club. We cherish the love and support that the Head of State has shown to us,” said the club in a statement last night.
