Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS coach Pieter De Jongh has once again found himself embroiled in controversy following a defiant social media post that appeared to mock the Premier Soccer League (PSL), just days after being fined for questioning the integrity of match officials.
The Dutchman, a polarising figure in Zimbabwean football, was fined US$1 250 under the PSL Standing Order Fines Schedule earlier in the week. The penalty stemmed from comments made after Highlanders’ Chibuku Super Cup semi-final defeat to Dynamos, in which De Jongh implied bias and questioned the fairness of officiating — remarks deemed by the league to have brought the game into disrepute.
Initially, De Jongh appeared to extend an olive branch, issuing a statement that seemed to apologise for his earlier comments. He stressed that his remarks were never intended to disrespect the PSL, referees, or Dynamos, and reaffirmed his commitment to fair play and respect. He described his comments as being driven by passion for the game and fairness, values he said he would always uphold. He added that he remained focused on helping Highlanders finish the season strongly.
However, any goodwill generated by the apology was quickly undermined. On Friday morning, De Jongh returned to social media with a provocative post declaring, “They can fine me, but they can’t silence The Champ.” The message was accompanied by a series of defiant hashtags, including #TheChamp, #Fearless, #Unstoppable, and #TruthHurts, signalling open defiance and reigniting concerns about his professionalism and discipline.
De Jongh’s side-line behaviour has also come under scrutiny, with fans and analysts criticising his frequent habit of leaving the technical area to confront the fourth official. This conduct has become a regular and often distracting feature of Highlanders’ matches, with observers suggesting it reflects a troubling lack of composure and discipline. For a club of Highlanders’ stature, such antics detract from performance, send the wrong message to players, and project an image of disorder.
The situation at Highlanders has been further complicated by internal unrest. Earlier in the week, players reportedly staged a training boycott on Thursday morning, although they regrouped later that day and travelled to Shamva on Friday ahead of their crucial away fixture against Simba Bhora at Wadzanayi Stadium. Highlanders are currently teetering near the relegation zone and are in desperate need of points to avoid a disastrous end to the season following their painful Chibuku Super Cup exit.
Their opponents, Simba Bhora — the defending league champions — are still in the title race, trailing log leaders Scottland by six points with only three matches remaining. However, Simba Bhora have struggled for form recently, suffering two defeats and a draw in their last three outings.
Highlanders will also be without suspended duo Brian Mlotshwa and Mason Mushore for the encounter, adding to De Jongh’s mounting challenges both on and off the pitch.
Fixtures
TelOne v Greenfuel (Ascot Stadium) MWOS v Triangle (Ngoni Stadium) Chicken Inn v CAPS United (Luveve Stadium) Manica Diamonds v Ngezi Platinum (Sakubva Stadium) Simba Bhora v Highlanders (Wadzanayi Stadium) Herentals v Yadah Stars (Rufaro Stadium) ZPC Kariba v FC Platinum (Nyamhunga Stadium)
Sunday
Kwekwe United v Scottland (Ascot Stadium) Dynamos v Bikita Minerals (Rufaro Stadium)
