Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube
PIETER de Jongh is back at Bosso and he’s not wasting time. The nomadic Dutch coach made a dramatic return to Highlanders on Tuesday, walking straight into training and introducing himself to players and staff in a move some called disrespectful and chaotic.
De Jongh arrived with manager Netsai Moyo but didn’t wait for formalities.
“He introduced himself to the coaches and us, saying the club was working on his work permit. All the while, the manager who should have introduced him just stood there in disbelief,” said a stunned player.
The controversial coach, who led Bosso to Chibuku Super Cup glory in 2019 before jumping ship, has now been tasked with saving the fallen giants from the jaws of relegation.
Highlanders are currently 9th on the table but are sliding fast. The club has lost key players and is reeling from poor recruitment and fan anger over a growing exodus of talent to Scottland FC, a club backed by their own sponsors, Betterbrands.
Among the departures are Lynoth Chikuhwa, Peter Muduhwa, Marvelous Chigumira, Godfrey Makaruse and Mafios Chihweta, who moved to Scottland in a US$50,000 deal that has infuriated the Bosso faithful.
De Jongh is reportedly bringing in four new players, including a Namibian star recommended by one of his former assistants.
The squad has been gutted and the junior structures are in disarray. The silence from Bosso spokesperson Nozibelo Maphosa since Monday has only added fuel to the fire.
Pressure is mounting on chairman Kenneth Mhlophe as supporters demand answers over alleged financial irregularities and the sponsor’s role in weakening the team.
derick.khumalo