adminNdlela, who assumed office in 2009 taking over from Ernest “Maphepha” Sibanda after he beat Mandla Moyo by 17 votes will face the challenge of former secretary Peter Dube and Moyo during the club’s plebiscite at the clubhouse on Sunday.
“I still have the power and zeal to carry on and I have a vision that will see Highlanders become the fastest growing brand over the next five years. My level of association with industry is now much greater than in previous years as I now interact with business leaders at a much higher level through the committee that I lead which is in charge of export development,” he said.
Ndlela sits on the powerful Zimtrade board having been appointed a year after he assumed the Bosso top post. He leads the export development committee and said they will be holding a major event in March, the Exporters Conference and Awards which will bring together all captains of industry and Government
“Contesting for the Bosso chairmanship is not about what one has failed to achieve but what they still have to offer that would make the institution a better institution for all. Club programmes are complementary in nature. We have managed to put in place measures for the future success of the club. We have now fully resourced the club in terms of its human resources. We have managed to sign in our books players on long term contracts which will create some stability in the team and provide for forward planning.
“The technical team in place is headed by a highly qualified and energetic coach who will surely deliver,” said Ndlela whose executive took the team from imminent relegation in 2008 where it survived relegation by a mere three points, ending the season on 39 points, three behind now relegated Masvingo United.
Last year the cash-strapped club finished seventh.
In their first year in charge, the team finished fourth before moving one up the ladder the following season. Last season a slump in the second half saw the team finish a disappointing seventh.
“The youth development programme is not even a quarter way through in terms of set up but we are already starting to enjoy the fruits of this investment. My drive is to mould together a team that will be ready to conquer Africa in the next three years,” he said.
On the team’s precarious financial position with debts amounting to over $350 000, Ndlela acknowledged that but refuted suggestions that it was an indication of instability at the club.
“Major crippling debts have been cleared and threats of litigation are no longer there. We have managed to secure all club assets and we are also enjoying a lot of support from the corporate world.
As the chairman of the club I have done very well given the circumstances. Very few men would stand what I had to go through. The demands needed a man made of steel and that’s who I am. Very few people noticed the revival of our youth systems yet here we are today with 25 players having four to five-year contracts,” said Ndlela.
Over the past two years the club has failed to retain good players like Mernard Mupera, Francis Kanda, Joel Ngodzo, Zephaniah Ngodzo, Brighton Dube, Gilbert Banda, Rahman Kutsanzira and Louis Matawu.
After a promising finish under Mkhuphali who became the third coach for the club in two years after Madinda Ndlovu and Mohamed Fathi in 2010, hopes were high that the club would do better in 2011.
The departure of the stars hampered progress on the field and Bosso are yet to make big signings this term and Ndlela has said it hinges on availability of funds.
Online Reporter