Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS are preparing to celebrate a milestone few football clubs in Africa can boast of.
Next year Bosso turns 100, and behind the scenes the Bulawayo giants have already set an ad-hoc committee to drive the centenary programme.
For now, the names of those leading the project remain under wraps, but club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe says consultations are well underway.
“Further engagements are being made with individuals in the community and football industry to assist in the direction and scope of celebrations. For all members, if you are approached to participate, may you kindly assist our beloved club,” said Mhlophe.
The milestone, he added, is both a moment of reflection and a launchpad.
“The 100-year milestone reflects a unique legacy for the football club. A lot of highs and lows, memories, achievements and triumphs. It is an opportunity to springboard the club into the future as we look to make it a commercially viable entity that will match its longevity off the field, on the field.”
Highlanders are also making strides in an area where Zimbabwean clubs have long struggled: merchandising.
Mhlophe revealed that sales of replica jerseys have been encouraging, with fans finally embracing the culture of buying club branded gear.
“This success is most visible in the sale of our replica jerseys, and our next goal is to cultivate a robust fan-buying culture that will sustain this positive momentum,” said the Bosso boss.
He credited kit supplier Vecchio for widening the options available.
“Despite facing various challenges, Vecchio has gone above and beyond to diversify our replica line. For the first time, fans have been able to purchase our home, away, and alternative kit jerseys. This has been a huge success, with 346 replicas sold to date. This figure is not just a number, it represents a growing excitement and commitment from our fan base.”
And there is more to come.
“We have also received 180 pairs of canvas shoes from Azinsha Marketing, which will soon be available for fans to purchase. This new product line will provide yet another way for supporters to wear the club’s colours proudly,” said Mhlophe.
A partnership with Bezel Marketing will add scarves and beanie hats, with Highlanders earning a dollar from every sale.
“This is a mutually beneficial arrangement where the club receives a steady, reliable revenue stream,” he said.
Off the field, there’s optimism. On the field, however, the picture has been less bright.
The season started under Kelvin Kaindu, with Try Ncube and Agent Sawu as his assistants. But after 17 matches and a return of just five wins, eight draws, and four defeats, the executive made a tough call.
“In response to the team’s poor performance, club management made the difficult decision to part ways with coach Kelvin Kaindu. In the interim, Try (Ncube) and Agent (Sawu) were appointed to take charge of the team. The club has since identified a replacement in Hendrikus Pieter De Jongh, who will take charge until the end of the season,” said Mhlophe.
The board will review results before deciding on a permanent head coach.
There’s also been movement behind the scenes. The club appointed Amin Soma Phiri as welfare manager of the men’s first team, with Netsai Moyo returning to his original role at Bosso 90.
For Highlanders, the centenary is more than a celebration. It is a chance to tighten structures, strengthen finances, and set a tone for the next hundred years.
As Mhlophe put it, the goal is not just to honour the past, but to build a club strong enough to thrive in the future.
