Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
HIGHLANDERS members face one of the biggest Sundays in the club’s recent history as they gather for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) in the morning before turning their attention to a blockbuster Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against defending champions Scottland later in the day.
The contrast could not be greater.
First, members will assemble at the Highlanders Clubhouse to scrutinise the club’s finances and governance. Hours later, thousands are expected to head to Barbourfields Stadium to rally behind Benjani Mwaruwari’s men in one of the season’s biggest fixtures.
Coming on the back of the second suspension of chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla in three months, the EGM presents the club leadership with an opportunity to answer tough questions over Highlanders’ financial affairs at a time of heightened scrutiny.
Among the issues expected to attract the greatest interest is the Finance Committee’s report, with members keen to understand the club’s financial position, expenditure and the utilisation of funds, including donations made by businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
While the meeting is not directly linked to Mnkandla’s suspension, recent events have placed governance and accountability firmly under the spotlight.
The EGM will also mark another milestone in the implementation of the club’s constitution, with members expected to receive reports from the Technical and Development Committee and the Marketing Committee for the first time.
The technical report is expected to assess the team’s performances, player development and the direction of the football department under Benjani, while the marketing report will provide updates on sponsorships, commercial partnerships and efforts to strengthen the Bosso brand.
Reports from the executive committee chairman and the board chairman will also be presented before members deliberate on other matters submitted in accordance with the club’s constitution.
Once the meeting concludes, attention will quickly shift to Barbourfields, where Mwaruwari’s improving side face a stern examination against Scottland. It is a fixture carrying significance beyond three points, with Highlanders eager to continue their resurgence against the league champions.
For Bosso supporters, Sunday will be about far more than football. It will be a day to demand accountability in the morning and then stand behind the black-and-white jersey in the afternoon.
By sunset, Highlanders will hope to have made progress both in the boardroom and on the pitch.
Matchday 23 Fixtures
Saturday: Bulawayo Chiefs v FC Platinum (Luveve Stadium), Telone v ZPC Kariba (Ascot Stadium), FC Hunters v Chicken Inn (Heart Stadium), MWOS v Agama (Ngoni Stadium), Manica Diamonds v CAPS United (Sakubva Stadium).
Sunday: Hardrock v Triangle (Chahwanda Stadium), Highlanders v Scottland (Barbourfields Stadium) Dynamos v Simba Bhora (Rufaro Stadium)
