Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE City of Kings has said the Highlanders Centenary celebrations will not be a club affair but an official event for country’s second biggest city.
Bosso, founded in 1926, will mark their 100th year of existence with a year of activities which were outlined at a Corporate Breakfast launch held on Wednesday.
Various speakers shared plans that stretch far beyond football, weaving together heritage, sport and community pride.
“Our city will proudly be part of the centenary celebrations. You cannot speak of Bulawayo without speaking of Highlanders,” said deputy Mayor Councillor Edwin Ndlovu, who spoke on behalf of Mayor David Coltart.
“Highlanders always brings smiles to the people of this city and who are we not to support them?
“This is royalty at its best and we will always seek to see them doing well.
“This a cultural city and without the mentioning of the name Bosso, we are doomed.”
The celebrations will run under the theme “Beyond Football: Inspiring Generations.”
With City Hall backing the project, Highlanders aim to deliver a centenary celebrations programme that captures both memory and imagination.
Bosso’s story traces back to Albert and Rhodes Khumalo, grandsons of King Lobengula, and the club’s journey has always mirrored the identity of Bulawayo.
Head of marketing and publicity Possenti Sikhosana said the club will roll out ambitious legacy projects that will bring together culture, community and long term development.
Ahead of the public launch on December 22, Highlanders are reaching out to partners for support on infrastructure and heritage initiatives that will strengthen the club’s footprint beyond match days.
The plans include a Highlanders museum that will capture the club’s history and honour its icons, a commemorative Century Magazine, the Umcimbi weBosso musical showcase, and a community focused Marathon that is expected to take its place among the city’s major annual events.
There are also proposals for an amusement park and improved female-friendly stadium facilities to create a more welcoming match day environment.
Club officials said the centenary is a chance to give back to Bulawayo through projects that uplift communities and reinforce the club’s roots.
“We are not here for charity, we are here to invest back into the city through activities that promote culture, pride and football,” said Sikhosana.
The programme highlights Highlanders’ history and its future, setting out a vision that celebrates tradition while preparing the club for the next century as both a sporting force and a cultural pillar for the region.
