Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira and Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHAOS erupted in the Highlanders camp yesterday as players boycotted training in protest over unpaid signing-on fees, a dramatic stand-off that exposed deep cracks within the troubled Bulawayo giants just days before their crucial Premier Soccer League clash against Simba Bhora.
The squad arrived at Barbourfields Stadium in full training gear but refused to take part in drills, sitting on the pitch in silent protest. For nearly two hours, training ground tensions boiled over as club officials scrambled behind the scenes to contain the crisis.
When the Zimpapers Sports Hub news crew arrived, the players were still inside the stadium, but access was denied. Club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe later confirmed the standoff, saying the club leadership was engaging the team captains to calm the situation.
“Yes, the players did not train this morning as they are demanding their signing-on fees. We are engaging them and working to resolve the issue,” said Mhlophe.
By afternoon, after a tense meeting with the executive, the players returned to the pitch to resume training, but the sense of unease remained.
The revolt comes in the wake of the club’s second disbursement from philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo’s US$1 million pledge to Highlanders. The latest US$250,000 instalment was expected to clear players’ signing-on fees, following an earlier July payment from which allowances and bonuses were reportedly settled.
However, players who spoke to Zimpapers Sports Hub said the funds had again been diverted to cover outstanding winning bonuses.
“The issue is when the first batch of the money came, they promised us signing-on fees from the second batch, but we just got our winning bonuses. Where is the money going to?” said one player.
Another added: “Yes, they paid us our outstanding winning bonuses using the Chivayo money last week, but the issue now is signing-on fees. The team is united, and we are not going to give in easily. As it stands, the boys are threatening not to travel.”
A third player, also speaking anonymously, said morale had hit rock bottom.
“We are professionals, and we want to focus on football, but it’s difficult when promises keep changing. We just want transparency so that everyone knows what is happening with the money.”
Confusion over the handling of Chivayo’s funds appears to have fuelled the unrest. The sponsorship is administered by a curator, Jabulani Nkomo, who also runs the construction company contracted to build a perimeter wall around the Highlanders Clubhouse.
Members and fans have raised questions about the lack of visible progress on the project, despite US$109 000 reportedly being used from the first tranche. Players believe part of the new funds should have gone toward their signing-on fees.
Salaries, which are paid by Sakunda Holdings, remain up to date. The friction stems from unmet promises regarding signing-on fees, a sore point that has festered for months.
The latest crisis comes as head coach Pieter de Jongh tries to steady a ship already rocked by poor results and off-field controversy. Just days ago, the Dutchman was fined by the PSL following his outspoken comments accusing the league of favouring certain clubs, including Dynamos.
Although he has since toned down his remarks, insiders say morale in the Bosso camp has been at an all-time low this season, worsened by uncertainty over the future of several players after De Jongh reportedly hinted at a squad overhaul next year.
Speaking during an internal media session that replaced the club’s usual Thursday press conference, De Jongh insisted the situation was under control.
“We trained and everything was okay. We need three to four points for survival. Every game is a final, and we start on Saturday against Simba. My message to the players is very simple: they must play for the badge of Highlanders. Every game is a final, and we must do this together. The executive, players, and fans,” he said.
Highlanders, still not mathematically safe from relegation, will travel to Shamva today for tomorrow’s crucial encounter with defending champions Simba Bhora at Wadzanayi Stadium.
The club will finish the season with matches against Manica Diamonds and Chicken Inn, fixtures that could decide whether one of Zimbabwe’s most decorated teams survives or sinks deeper into crisis.
WEEK 32 FIXTURES
Saturday: TelOne v GreenFuel (Ascot), MWOS v Triangle (Ngoni), Chicken Inn v CAPS United (Luveve), Manica Diamonds v Ngezi Platinum (Sakubva), Simba Bhora v Highlanders (Wadzanayi), Herentals v Yadah (Rufaro), ZPC Kariba v FC Platinum (Nyamhunga).
Sunday: Kwekwe United v Scottland (Ascot)
Dynamos v Bikita Minerals (Rufaro).
