Arsenal Bosso Group rescues Mabaleka’s Caf B coaching dream

HIGHLANDERS FC developmental coach Melusi Sibanda, affectionately known as Mabaleka, has received a major boost after the vibrant Arsenal Bosso Group stepped in to help pay part of the money required for his CAF B coaching badge bid.

Mabaleka is in the process of acquiring his Caf B badge and is due to take up some modules at the end of February again in Tanzania.

From pooled member contributions, Arsenal Bosso committed US$400 of the US$700 owed before Stephen Dube, a Manchester United supporter, added US$100 to the pot.

That took the total to US$500, instantly unlocking Mabaleka’s pathway into the professional coaching ecosystem.

A delighted Mabaleka confirmed that he had already received receipts for the payment, although he was still not in a position to give a full comment.

Arsenal Bosso Group secretary-general Tinashe Rufu said the initiative was rooted in the group’s founding philosophy.

“Founded just before the Covid-19 pandemic by a group of passionate Bosso supporters, who also follow Arsenal, the name Arsenal Bosso Group was never meant to dilute local identity. Instead, it was designed to fuse global football culture with local loyalty, a signal that football, at its best, is borderless, but belonging is always rooted.

“What makes Arsenal Bosso Group extraordinary is not its name, but its governance and impact. This is a self-funded, member-driven football institution. Each member contributes just US$2 per month, but in corporate terms, this micro-subscription model has unlocked a high-impact, low-cost funding engine that has delivered tangible infrastructure, operational support, and human-capital development to Highlanders FC,” said Rufu.

He added that, unlike many fan clubs, Arsenal Bosso operates with an executive.

“Under the leadership of president Gideon Ncube, chairman Mazibuko Tshalibe, treasurer Dumisani Gumpo and secretary-general Tinashe Rufu, the group has become an informal but highly effective affiliate of Highlanders FC, stepping in where gaps exist and solving real problems. Since its formation, the group has seen two chairpersons, namely Mazibuko Tshalibe and Thabani Moyo, lead this highly esteemed group,” said Rufu.

The group’s track record includes the installation of the main gate at Highlanders Sports Club, construction of a clubhouse display window, repair and recommissioning of generators and a cold room.

The Arsenal Bosso Group has quietly become a problem-solver of last resort.