DE JONGH TO THE RESCUE! Highlanders to finally unveil Dutch gaffer

Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub

HIGHLANDERS are set to unveil Hendrik Pieter de Jongh as their new coach today after the Dutchman finally received his long-awaited work permit.

The club, which usually holds match-day Press conferences on Thursdays, has moved the event to Friday, with strong expectation that it will serve as the official unveiling of the returning coach.

Club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, confirmed yesterday that De Jongh’s documentation is now in order. “De Jongh’s papers are now in place. He travelled to Harare yesterday to finalise the finer details of his work permit, but it is certain he will be on the bench for the club’s next match,” said Mhlophe.

The controversial coach, who led Bosso to Chibuku Super Cup glory in 2019 before abruptly departing, has been tasked with steering the fading giants away from the relegation zone, a position the club has publicly denied being in.

Hendrik Pieter de Jongh is a Dutch football coach who managed FC Platinum from December 2019 to November 2020. Referred to by some as “The Dutch Nomad”, he first joined Highlanders in September 2019, taking over from Mandla Mpofu, who had replaced Madinda Ndlovu.

During his short tenure, De Jongh guided Highlanders to the 2019 Chibuku Super Cup title, defeating Ngezi Platinum at Barbourfields Stadium. He then moved to FC Platinum and won the Castle Challenge Cup in March 2020, ironically against Highlanders. His departure came after Caf ruled his Uefa A Licence did not meet Champions League requirements. Norman Mapeza replaced him.

Ahead of Sunday’s match, Highlanders sit ninth on 29 points, the same tally as Bikita Minerals in tenth.

During the mid-season transfer window, Bosso added Nigerian striker Benjamin Oluwarotimi Adeogun on loan from Gwanda Pirates, along with midfielders Learnmore Muyambo and Martin Nhubu from Ngezi Platinum. Nhubu’s move is yet to be officially announced. All three are believed to have been recommended by De Jongh.

Meanwhile, the Premier Soccer League confirmed six players are suspended for Matchday 26 after accumulating three yellow cards. These are Obriel Chirinda (Ngezi Platinum), Innocent Muchaneka and Tymon Mvula (Yadah Stars), Yask Rupande (Manica Diamonds), and Simbarashe Musutukwa (Kwekwe United).

Fixture List

Friday

Yadah FC v Ngezi Platinum (Heart Stadium)

Saturday

TelOne v Chicken Inn (Ascot Stadium)

Simba Bhora v Kwekwe United (Wadzanayi Stadium)

Herentals v Scotland

ZPC Kariba v Triangle

FC Platinum v CAPS United (Mandava Stadium)

Sunday

Manica Diamonds v MWOS (Sakubva Stadium)

Dynamos v GreenFuel (Rufaro Stadium)