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Sports Reporter
WHILE Highlanders Football Club chief executive Sihlangu Dlodlo has distanced the club from the call for supporters to boycott the club’s league game against ZPC Kariba at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday, the boycott call seems to have gathered momentum with club supporters and members in South Africa and Harare backing the move.
Club members and supporters calling for the boycott argue that the boycott will be a message to the Premier Soccer League and Referees Committee that they are not happy with the manner in which the club was treated in the Chibuku Super Cup quarter final match against Simba Bhora in Shamva a few weeks ago.
The Highlanders Supporters Harare Chapter has since set up modalities to collect money for the cause, just like the South Africa chapter.
“Highlanders Harare Chapter. In solidarity with the All Roads Lead to Club House initiative, we have set up a platform for the Harare Metropolitan and its periphery-based supporters to contribute towards the cause. Contribute as you would have wished to pay at BF. R. O. G $3, Wings $5, VIP $10. For those travelling to Bulawayo we meet at Clubhouse. For those not travelling we meet at Raylton Sports Club Harare. Let’s start contributing now.”
A media channel said some club supporters in South Africa had already started making contributions towards the initiative.
“The EYE Channel understands that nearly 50 supporters in South Africa had by 2 pm this afternoon deposited their match day money in response to boycott calls with more expected to join in as the match day approaches where Amahlolanyama are set to take on ZPC Kariba at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.”
Meanwhile, club members and supporters are engaged in fierce social media debate on whether supporters should boycott the club’s next home game in protest to what many believe was biased officiating against the team recently.
What further infuriated Highlanders fans was that after their match against Simba Bhora in the quarter-finals of the Chibuku Super Cup in Shamva was aborted in the second half after the hosts were awarded a questionable penalty with the score line still at 0-0, the Premier Soccer League has gone further to punish the club US$6000 for their part in the abandonment and fans’ behaviour on the day. Simba Bhora were also fined a similar amount. Highlanders are also likely to be booted out of the competition.
Highlanders play ZPC Kariba in their next home match, and a section of the fans believe that instead of going to pay to watch the match, fans should go to the Highlanders club house and contribute US$3 to the club. The letter to the fans read:
“Subject: A Call for Unity: Boycott this weekend’s match at BF
Dear maBosso amahle
As we prepare for this weekend’s soccer match, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for every one of our dedicated fans. Your unwavering support has been the backbone of our team, and your passion is what drives us to strive for greatness on the field.
However, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in which our beloved Bosso is facing unjust treatment that cannot go unanswered. The persistent bias and unprofessionalism shown by certain officials, under the jurisdiction of the PSL and the Referees’ Committee, have become increasingly intolerable. These repeated offences not only affect our performance but also tarnish the integrity of the beautiful game we cherish.
This weekend, I am calling upon all of you to stand in solidarity by boycotting the next game at BF. This is not merely an act of protest but a powerful statement of unity. We want to send a clear and resounding message—to the PSL, to the referees, and to everyone who harbours an agenda against Bosso—that we will not sit idly by while our team faces unfair treatment.
Instead of attending the match, I invite all fans to gather at the clubhouse for festivities. Let’s turn our collective disappointment into a celebration of our team at our own club house. This gathering will serve as a potent reminder of our strength and our commitment to demand the respect and fairness that Bosso truly deserves.
We must call for stern measures to address the alarming rate at which referees are showing favouritism and going unpunished. This is not just about our recent challenges; it’s about ensuring that the standard of football in our league remains intact for all teams involved. Our voice must be heard, and our resolve must be unbreakable.
This boycott is one of many options on the table as we seek to assert our presence in the league and demand accountability. We are stronger together, and it is through our unity that we can incite change.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Bosso. Together, let’s make this weekend one for the history books—not just as fans, but as a united force advocating for fairness in Zimbabwean football.
With gratitude and solidarity!
SG welizwe, [email protected]
Ozakuya eBF uyabethengisa i team straight.”
Online Reporter