Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Highlanders camp is swirling with speculation after nomadic Dutch coach Pieter de Jongh was spotted at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday, right as CAPS United edged Bosso 1-0.
De Jongh’s presence lit up rumours that he could be in line for a Highlanders return, especially with pressure mounting on the club’s executive to act before the July 31 transfer deadline.
Whether the club sticks with Try Ncube and his current technical team, or brings in someone new, without new signings, Highlanders could soon find themselves in a full blown relegation battle.
The squad is paper thin.
And despite confirmed funding from the first tranche of Wicknell Chivayo’s US$1 million sponsorship, the executive has failed to land key transfer targets. Obrey Chirinda, Nqobizitha Masuku and Lynoth Chikuhwa were reportedly top of the wishlist, but all remain out of reach.
Kaindu didn’t have the luxury of shopping for marquee players during his three windows under Kenneth Mhlophe’s administration. Ironically, he was fired just before Chivayo’s money arrived, including an initial US$50 000 meant for player recruitment.
Chirinda has committed to Ngezi Platinum, where he captains the side. Masuku returned from a stint with Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy to join TelOne. And though Bosso had hoped to keep Chikuhwa, he ended up at Chicken Inn after being moved by Scottland FC.
Highlanders have endured a goal drought over the past three months, and the team’s slip down the table now has them hovering just above the relegation zone.
To make matters worse, they’ve lost key talent, Mbongeni Ndlovu and Divine Mhindirira to FC Platinum, while Peter Muduhwa, Godfrey Makaruse, Marvelous Chigumira, and Chikuhwa left for Scottland FC.
The exodus hasn’t been matched by incoming talent. In fact, Bosso haven’t signed players of similar pedigree in two years. Without urgent reinforcements over the next three days, even a coaching overhaul may do little to stop the bleeding.
Asked about de Jongh’s possible return, club spokesperson Nozibelo Maphosa said she’d respond yesterday morning, but by noon, no update had come.
Since his 2019 Chibuku Super Cup win with Highlanders, de Jongh has taken up stints with FC Platinum, Somalia’s national team, Malawi’s Silver Strikers, and most recently, Jwaneng Galaxy. His run in Botswana ended prematurely after the club couldn’t secure him a work permit.
He nearly won the league in Malawi last year, though he’s also remembered for storming the pitch in protest of officiating during one match.
Still, Bosso have a known affection for bringing back ex-coaches, regardless of current form. Kaindu, Mandla Mpofu, and Madinda Ndlovu are recent examples.
Meanwhile, Scottland last night unveiled Mafios Chihweta as their player after agreeing to a permanent transfer from Highlanders who were barely with him for six months. The deal is believed to be worth US$50 000 for a player bought for US$5 000. He’s scored three times this season and only joined the club from Ajax Hotspurs in early 2025.
BetterBrands, owned by Scott Sakupwanya, sponsors both Highlanders and Scottland. And Scottland hasn’t been shy about poaching Bosso’s best. They recently sent Chikuhwa to Chicken Inn and are now eyeing Mason Mushore.
At the start of the season, Scottland scooped up Chikuhwa, Muduhwa, Chigumira and Makaruse.
Makaruse was released without a league appearance and has since signed with Bulawayo Chiefs.
Highlanders now face a crucial few days. Without quality signings, or clarity on who leads the bench, the club risks more than just a forgettable season, they could be sleepwalking toward disaster.
Recycling mediocre coaches won’t improve our football. The saddest situation in our current football is the poor quality of coaches, players and administration. For the first time in football, we have seen players in the +30 years age group being taken as the best players in the league.