Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS’ management is engaging the relevant authorities in an effort to secure the possible reinstatement of the club’s mining claim.
The club lost its Inyathi gold mine after failing to make any meaningful progress on the project granted to them in 2020. Special Grants operate on a two year renewable cycle, but the Bulawayo giants did not apply for renewal. As a result, the Special Grant expired and the ground was subsequently taken up by a different applicant.
President Mnangagwa awarded Highlanders the claim in 2020 as part of efforts to empower the club and boost its revenue generation initiatives. The breakthrough came as Bosso celebrated its 95th anniversary, making the gesture a fitting gift from the Head of State and Government.
Highlanders received the mining Special Grant (licence) in 2022, after which the club established a mining committee comprising members of the Board and Executive, the chief executive officer at the time, and several individuals with specialised mining expertise. The club also registered a mining company.
“In 2023, the club went further to carry out surveying and geological activities and produced a bankable geological report, leading to us being able to find a partner who availed themselves but they were deemed unfit to operate by the leadership.
“Regrettably, the club has since been advised that the special grant lapsed, resulting in the loss of the claim. Management continues to engage the relevant authorities in pursuit of a possible reinstatement,” said Bosso chairman, Kenneth Mhlophe.
While the mining venture had been expected to bring financial gains to the Bulawayo football giants, the Highlanders clubhouse continues to contribute steady monthly revenue to the club’s coffers.
“The partnership continues to serve members and patrons alike. The first phase of a five-year contract with the consultant lapsed in March 2025. According to the agreement, this was a loan repayment phase whereby the consultant had to realise returns from the business to service the loan to the club for renovations and upgrades made to the property.
The consultant is fulfilling his obligations in this next phase of the contract, having started honouring them in September 2025,” said Mhlophe.
