Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
A cloud of mystery currently hangs over Highlanders Football Club after scheduled interviews for the vacant Chief Executive Officer (CEO) post were abruptly postponed on Friday morning, leaving candidates frustrated and sparking questions within the local football community.
Three of the shortlisted candidates — FC Platinum CEO Denzel Mnkandla, Nqobile Ngulube, and Nkululeko Ndlovu — arrived at the club’s Robert Mugabe Way offices, only to be informed that the interviews would not proceed. This came after they had spent nearly an hour waiting at the venue.
Two other candidates, Sikhumbuzo Ndebele and Nomvelo Mlotshwa — who is currently overseas on a work assignment — were unable to attend.
Those present at the club offices were told that a member of the executive had lost a relative, necessitating the postponement of the interviews. Club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, treasurer Nkani Khoza, and acting CEO Kindman Ndlovu were present, as was board member Elkanah Dube. However, the crucial absence of executive committee members Sifiso Siziba and Morgen Dube, who were scheduled to participate, made conducting the interviews impossible.
The CEO position has been vacant for three months following the suspension of Brian Moyo, who was accused of personally benefiting from the transfers of Never Rauzhi and Malvern Hativagone from Bulawayo Chiefs. Since then, Kindman Ndlovu has been serving in an acting capacity.
Highlanders, who are under-performing in the Castle Lager Premiership and lagging behind in preparations for their centenary celebrations, are eager to get operations back on track. This requires a competent, self-driven leader with a sharp business mind — someone who understands and shares the club’s values and passion. A strong CEO is crucial to addressing the on-field under-performance and advancing the centenary preparations.
Since the inception of the CEO role, Highlanders have struggled to fully realise its potential. The late Ndumiso Gumede, a seasoned administrator, laid the foundation, but subsequent leadership has failed to unlock the club’s full value and equity. Despite its status as Zimbabwe’s model football club — with a constitution that is strictly followed, regular AGMs, and audited accounts — Bosso has failed to translate that framework into tangible growth. The club continues to rely more on walk-in benefactors than on structured, long-term sponsorship deals.
Candidates who turned up for the interviews were reportedly unhappy with how the matter was handled.
“Honestly, this raises a stink,” said a club member who declined to be named for fear of victimisation. “They prepared for the day as per the invitation, and it was only fair that the exercise go ahead.
“Why did they keep them for an hour and then cancel? It’s as if the other two candidates knew the interviews wouldn’t happen. That’s a wasted day — an opportunity cost for both the candidates and the club.
“These are the small institutional problems that have always dragged the team backwards. Professionalism is what’s expected of the club at all times, and it starts with these seemingly small things.”
When contacted for comment, club spokesperson Nozibelo Maphosa referred Zimpapers Sports Hub to chairman Mhlophe, who had not responded to calls or messages by Friday afternoon.
According to sources within the club, no new date has been set for the interviews.
Judging from the list of candidates, it appears to be an open race.
Bongani Ndlovu
Highlanders must move away from being tribal in its management structures. Yes, the team appears quite blended very well but its management philosophy is stuck in the past. This is not just a claim. It is real.