Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE recent transfer of Mafious Chihweta has delivered a significant, if controversial, windfall for Mpopoma-based Ajax Hotspurs Movers.
While Highlanders allegedly paid Ajax US$5 000 plus a 30 percent sell-on clause for Chihweta, his contract with Ajax had reportedly already expired.
Barely had that initial ink dried when a far more lucrative opportunity arose — Chihweta’s US$50 000 move to Scottland FC.
This transfer has not only stirred interest but also exposed administrative cracks within Highlanders under chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, whose decision to delay the club’s AGM has done little to ease mounting pressure.
Yesterday, Highlanders’ three trustees reportedly met with the leadership in a “damage control session.”
Further complicating matters, it’s emerged Chihweta wasn’t even Ajax’s player to sell. His registration rights remained with Prince Edward Academy in Harare, where his contract expired on December 31, 2024.
Ajax had initially secured him on a six-month loan, which Prince Edward cleared for a second six-month spell, stating Chihweta “has been cleared by PE Academy to play for Ajax Hotspurs Football Club from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024.”
Crucially, on February 25 (2025), Prince Edward Academy issued a direct clearance for Chihweta to join Highlanders.
Now that Chihweta is at Scottland FC, questions of entitlement loom. Despite the direct transfer from Prince Edward, Ajax is claiming US$15 000 based on their 30 percent clause with Highlanders. Ajax’s founding director, Siphambaniso Dube, insists his club is entitled to compensation.
“Ajax has not received anything on our agreement and we will pursue our agreement. . .” He claims their arrangement with Prince Edward Academy granted Ajax sales rights even beyond the loan period, asserting: “We had our agreement with PE which entitled us to sell.”
Highlanders chairman Mhlophe, who confirmed paying Ajax, is reportedly linked to the Mpopoma club, raising potential conflict of interest concerns.
Highlanders had not responded to queries regarding their negotiations with Ajax for an expired contract by yesterday’s close of business.
Prince Edward Academy, whose student Albert Tshuma facilitated the Highlanders move, expressed satisfaction with Chihweta’s exposure.
“The reason for sending our player to Bulawayo was for marketing purposes. At this stage that objective has been achieved,” said Tshuma.
Under football transfer regulations, Ajax may still have a legal case for compensation for Chihweta’s six months with them, as he was under 23 at the time of the move.
