Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT’S not just a job, it’s a rescue mission.
Highlanders Football Club stands on the brink of a transformative decision, one that could define its future both on and off the pitch. With interviews for a new Chief Executive Officer scheduled for tomorrow, the Bulawayo giants are set to fill the void left by Brian Moyo, who resigned three months ago.
The turbulence at the club continued last night with acting chief executive officer quitting. he confirmed that he had stepped down but will continue as committee member.
This week’s interviews mark a critical moment for the club, which continues to drift through turbulent waters. The task ahead is monumental, to select not just a figurehead, but a dynamic leader capable of resuscitating an institution weighed down by financial woes, administrative inertia, and two decades of on-field disappointment.
Four candidates have been shortlisted to present their vision for Highlanders’ future. Zimpapers Sports Hub understands that Nomvelo Mlotshwa, Nkululeko Ndlovu, Denzel Mnkandla, and Nqobile Ngulube are the individuals vying for the top post. An earlier round of interviews was postponed, making Friday’s session all the more crucial.
The club confirmed the interview schedule through Public Relations Officer Nozibelo Maphosa, though official names were not released.
The next CEO will take over at 50 Robert Mugabe Way with more than a desk and title, they inherit a club mired in debt, facing arrears to players and regulatory bodies. But perhaps the heaviest burden is the longing of a massive, loyal fan base, desperate for a league title and overdue glory.
He arrives at a time when Wicknell Chivayo has just boosted the club coffers with US$1 million with Betterbrands and Sakunda assisting the club.
Gone are the days when gate receipts could sustain Highlanders’ operations. In today’s economic reality, such revenue covers only a fraction of expenses. The club’s traditional model needs a complete overhaul, and its future hinges on strategic leadership and sound business practice.
In their advert Highlanders said the candidate must have a relevant Bachelor’s Degree, an in-depth training and understanding of sport with a bias to football, experience in related excecutive/sports management and strong institutional understanding with understanding of modern football leadership trends not limited to Fifa Club Licensing models key.
The club also demanded the ability to network and relate with business and football bodies like PSL, Zifa and potential sponsors as key.
According to world football’s framework on CEO responsibilities, the new appointee will be expected to handle:
Strategic Planning – Developing and implementing long-term strategies aligned with club goals.
Financial Management – Creating and managing budgets while ensuring financial stability.
Commercial Operations – Overseeing sponsorships, ticketing, and merchandising.
Stadium & Facilities Management – Ensuring optimal upkeep and growth of club infrastructure.
Human Resources – Leading recruitment and development across technical and administrative departments.
Communications & Marketing – Promoting and strengthening the Highlanders brand.
The board must now rise above internal politicking and avoid appointments based on cronyism or emotional loyalty. The club can no longer afford tokenism. What it needs is a modern-day football executive, a leader with business sense, governance skills, and the integrity to resist internal and external manipulation.
Candidate Profiles
Denzel Mnkandla
Mnkandla brings hands on football administration experience, having served with FC Platinum during their run of four league championships. However, his success there came under a financially robust system, quite unlike the financial headwinds Highlanders routinely face. He is a sports science graduate and was instrumental in the 2014 African Union Sports Council Region 5 Games in Bulawayo. It is worth noting that Highlanders already have a sports science expert in trainer Abraham Mbaiwa.
Nomvelo Mlotshwa
Mlotshwa boasts impressive academic credentials, including a Master’s in Sports Management (Governance and Policy) from Birkbeck, University of London. She also holds a Diploma and Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. Currently the Operations Manager at an international firm, she has also worked as Project Co-ordinator for Africa Sport Unified. Her background reflects broad exposure to sports administration at both grassroots and international levels.
Nkululeko Ndlovu
A business lecturer and consultant, Ndlovu holds an MBA from Solusi University and a ZIFA Certificate in Administration, among other credentials. His mix of academic, corporate, and football administrative knowledge could offer Highlanders a steady, process-driven hand to steer the ship.
Nqobile Ngulube
Ngulube is deeply rooted in the Highlanders community through his involvement with supporter chapters in Cowdray Park and Hwange. He holds an Honours Degree in Ethics and Organisational Leadership, a Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Governance, and an Executive Diploma in Business Leadership. His background includes a range of certifications and he is the author of a book on football administration.
Each candidate brings something different to the table, but they share one goal: to revive a club that once ruled Zimbabwean football and now finds itself playing catch-up to lesser known rivals.
Highlanders cannot afford another misstep. The choice of CEO will send a strong signal, either a commitment to serious transformation or a continuation of complacency.
The interviews may be held behind closed doors, but their outcome will play out in stadiums, balance sheets, and the hearts of thousands.
