Bosso refute 350pc membership fee hike

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS Football Club have refuted reports that they have increased life membership fees by over 350 percent.
The $300 said to have been the new life membership fee, according to the club, will be a once off payment, set to be paid in instalments or in full by life membership card holders.

It was reported last week that ordinary membership for the club was now $50, up from $30 while life membership had been pegged at an incredible $300 from $80.

The move was immediately criticised by members who felt the club was now moving away from the majority of its supporters while others said it was now an elitist institution meant for the rich only.

However, in a statement on Tuesday, club chairman Peter Dube said life membership was in fact increased to $150. The club has also introduced what it called ‘supporter’s card’ for those who can not afford the new membership fees. The supporter’s card goes for $10. It was not, however, explained what role the supporter’s card holders will play since ordinary and life membership card holders enjoy the privilege of attending the club’s meetings as well as voting for an executive of their choice. They also get invited to club functions from time to time like the end of year awards night.

The club hopes the increase will bring more members on board. Highlanders membership is believed to be below 5,000.

“There was a call at the annual general meeting for vigorous recruitment of members. This is in keeping with our sponsors’ wish to fully tap into our obviously large support base. Accordingly, we’re introducing an official supporter’s card so that those of our followers who find membership fees too steep can join the official supporter base. Further we’ve resolved to increase the membership fees as follows, ordinary membership $50 from $30, life membership $150 from $80, official supporter $10 per year,” said Dube.

“We’ve a special plea to our life members, each one of them is being requested to contribute $300 either as a lump sum or in installments, this is to augment the club coffers which are critically low.”