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 Friday, the Bulawayo giants are set to fill the void left by Brian Moyo, who resigned three months ago.
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 short-listed 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.
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.
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 emotion-al 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.
