De Jongh is back but for how long? Highlanders rehires a man of many clubs and few commitments

Stanford Chiwanga, Quality Editor

BY all accounts, Hendrik Pieter de Jongh is a man of many clubs and few commitments. Nicknamed “The Dutch Nomad”, the Dutchman has built a reputation not just for his tactical acumen, but for his tendency to pack his bags and move on when a more lucrative opportunity arises. Now, Highlanders FC have rolled the dice once again, reuniting with a coach whose loyalty has previously come into question — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

De Jongh’s return to Bosso in July 2025 was anything but conventional. He arrived unannounced at a training session, introducing himself to players and technical staff while the club scrambled to finalise his paperwork. This abrupt re-entry, bypassing formalities and protocol, was a stark reminder of his unpredictable nature.

His previous stint at Highlanders in 2019 was short but impactful. He led the team to a Chibuku Super Cup victory and a respectable sixth-place finish in the league. Yet, just as fans began to believe in a long-term project, De Jongh left for FC Platinum, despite having verbally committed to renewing his contract with Bosso. At FC Platinum, his tenure was short-lived. Caf regulations barred him from coaching in the Champions League due to his lack of a Caf A Licence, forcing the club to replace him with Norman Mapeza.

De Jongh’s coaching CV reads like a travel itinerary. From Kenya to South Africa, Hungary to Mongolia, and Somalia to Malawi, he has managed over 20 teams in three decades. His average tenure? Less than a year. His time at Silver Strikers in Malawi ended in similar fashion — prematurely amid controversy, missed targets, and disciplinary issues. This is the man Highlanders have chosen to entrust with their future.

This nomadic pattern has earned him the moniker “The Dutch Nomad”, a title that reflects not just his global footprint but his fleeting allegiances. Clubs have praised his energy and tactical flair, but many have also lamented his abrupt exits and the instability they leave behind.

Highlanders are in a precarious position. The club has been haemorrhaging talent, plagued by financial irregularities, and sits mid-table with fans growing restless. In this climate, bringing back De Jongh is a bold move — one that could either reignite the club’s fortunes or deepen its crisis.

The chaos reached new heights last Sunday when De Jongh, still without a formal contract and watching from the terraces, influenced team selection for the TelOne match. Despite not being the active coach, he is said to have insisted on starting veteran goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda, who had spent most of the season on the bench and the recovery table.

Sibanda’s return proved costly. He missed a crucial penalty in the 75th minute and was beaten twice — once by Tawanda Macheke in a one-on-one and again by former Bosso striker Washington Navaya in stoppage time. The 0-2 defeat to TelOne deepened Highlanders’ woes and left fans stunned in the terraces and many pundits questioning why a coach not yet officially in charge was dictating decisions.

Try Ncube, still the acting coach, was left to face the media and apologise for the result. His authority was to be undermined by De Jongh’s looming presence, and his body language on the touchline reflected a man under siege. The Dutchman’s influence, even from the sidelines, disrupted team dynamics and morale.

On Monday and Tuesday, Ncube still held the title of acting coach at Highlanders, but the reality on the ground told a different story. De Jongh, despite not having a formal contract or official authority, had already begun asserting control over team affairs. His decision to suspend goalkeeper Reward Muza — who had skipped training — was not only unilateral but also symbolic. It sent a clear message: De Jongh is calling the shots, and Ncube is no longer steering the ship — he’s merely holding the wheel while someone else charts the course. The suspension, confirmed by club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, was executed without Ncube’s public input, further sidelining the man who was supposed to be in charge

The Dutchman, who got his work permit on Wednesday, has promised to bring in new players, including a Namibian talent, and inject fresh energy into the squad. But promises are not guarantees, especially from a coach whose track record suggests he may not be around long enough to see them through.

If De Jongh truly wants to rebuild his reputation and reward Highlanders for their faith, he must break the cycle. He must commit — not just in words, but in action. Bosso gave him a platform in 2019, and despite his departure to FC Platinum, they have welcomed him back. That gesture deserves more than tactical brilliance; it demands loyalty.

De Jongh must understand that Highlanders are not just another stop on his journey. They are a club with history, pride, and a fanbase that craves stability. If he is serious about restoring Bosso to its former glory, he must stay the course — even when bigger carrots are dangled elsewhere.

Highlanders’ decision to rehire Hendrik Pieter de Jongh is a gamble — one that could pay off handsomely or backfire spectacularly. The Dutchman has the tools to succeed, but only if he chooses to plant roots rather than chase the wind.

For once, The Dutch Nomad must become The Dutch Settler.