Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
As Highlanders Football Club prepares to celebrate its 100-year anniversary next year, losing Zifa presidential candidate Marshall Gore has challenged the Bulawayo football giants to embrace digitalisation and expand their footprint in the digital era.
Founded in 1926, Highlanders is not only Zimbabwe’s oldest football club but also one of its most successful. Over the years, the club has claimed numerous league titles and cup victories, shaping the careers of some of Zimbabwe’s greatest football talents. Highlanders has also built a dedicated and passionate fanbase, both locally and within the diaspora.
“I am challenging those interested in sports in Bulawayo to engage various sports organisations. For example, Highlanders—iBosso yi Bosso—will be celebrating 100 years of existence next year. I travelled around the city and did not see a single billboard highlighting this remarkable milestone,” said Gore.
He added: “There are opportunities to digitalise. We saw what happened at Barbourfields Stadium last Sunday when Highlanders played against Scottland—the stadium was full. However, we need to digitalise and capture the database of all the fans who attended. That is how we can attract investment.”
Gore, who contested for the Zifa presidency but lost to Nqobile Magwizi in the January elections, believes digital transformation is essential for Highlanders to enhance its commercial value and global reach.
As part of the centenary celebrations, the club is reportedly planning a series of events and activities to bring together players, supporters, and former legends in honour of its rich history. Various subcommittees will be formed to ensure that the celebrations are memorable and reflective of the club’s storied legacy.
Additionally, the rebranding of Bosso 90 to Bosso 99 is seen as the beginning of an exciting period for the club as it looks ahead to celebrating a century of football excellence.
With the 100-year milestone fast approaching, Highlanders’ centenary celebrations are expected to be a defining moment for the club, its supporters, and the wider football community.
Gore, who was recently appointed president of the Zifa diaspora committee, also revealed that Warriors head coach Michael Nees will travel to the United Kingdom later this month to scout and assess players of Zimbabwean descent, eligible to represent the national team.
The Warriors are set to play high-profile international friendly matches against Morocco, the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists and Africa’s current top-ranked team.
