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Innocent Kurira in BULAWAYO
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has congratulated Bulawayo giants Highlanders on their 17-game unbeaten run in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League this season.
Bosso are enjoying a good run in the league as they sit top of the table with 37 points from 17 games.
They are the only team still to taste defeat in the league this season.
Bosso have won 10 games, drawn seven and lost none.
They lead the race with seven points at the halfway mark.
Highlanders’ good run appears to have charmed the President who congratulated the country’s oldest surviving side for the good run.
There was sweet news for Bulawayo and its football lovers when the President announced that Barbourfields Stadium will be refurbished with the assistance of the Government.
Speaking at the Cowdray Park Star Rally attended by thousands, the President drew large cheers when he announced that the city’s biggest and third largest stadium in Zimbabwe will get a facelift.
He said the sprucing up of Barbourfields Stadium is one of their top priorities.
“We are refurbishing Barbourfields Stadium, the home of Highlanders FC, the home of Highlanders, who are doing very well this season with 17 games unbeaten in the league. Amhlophe Highlanders iBosso yi Bosso. Congratulations Bosso,” said the President to deafening applause from the crowd, one of the biggest ever witnessed in the city.
At the moment Barbourfields Stadium is the only homologated facility among all the stadiums that have played host to international events in the past.
The National Sports Stadium and Rufaro are both closed for renovations to meet the required standards for national and international football.
While Barbourfields Stadium has been passed for the domestic scene, there is still work to be done to make it meet international standards.
The President’s love for Highlanders is known as in 2015 he assisted the club acquire and import a bus.
Transport is a single expenditure club that is a problem for most sports teams.
Instead of hiring transport Bosso have found themselves fuelling their bus to training, home and away matches which has resulted in big savings — thanks to the caring President of the Second Republic.
In appreciation, the club presented the President with Jersey Number 9 for playing a true striker’s role in ensuring that the club stays afloat.
In 2020 President Mnangagwa facilitated in empowering Highlanders when the club was given a gold mining claim in Inyathi as he encouraged self-sustenance and thinking beyond football for the institution which turns 100 years in three years’ time.
The mine breakthrough came at a time when Highlanders were celebrating 95 years of existence and was a perfect present from the Head of State and Government of Zimbabwe. Bosso this year mark 97 years.
With so much potential in mining, Highlanders stand to benefit and expectations are that they will use the proceeds from the mine to set up a strong base for junior development, manage and upgrade their facilities, which include the clubhouse, office and camping house in Luveve
Online Reporter