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IN his teenage years Jonathan Mhlanga the Highlanders president was already a dedicated Bosso follower and he rose to servitude.
B-Metro Sport chronicles Mhlangaa��s journey from Matabeleland Highlanders when the team was said to have played without pay until they were financially stable, in the process attracting the business community much to the benefit of the club.
a�?I was fortunate enough to have joined the team in its early stages around 1964 when it did not have any funding. I was prepared to work for the team even if it meant using my own money by then it was called Matabeleland
Highlanders just after it was changed from its founding name Lions Football Club,a�? said Mhlanga.
He acknowledged that sourcing funds for the team was not easy and it was not long that he was made to assume the treasurera��s position.
a�?A lot happened with regards to my personal life, like getting arrested during the liberation war era.
However, I made sure the team was catered for because ofA� many comrades with me such as Douglas Mkwananzi and Danny Zinja,a�? he said.
He added that in 1975 the late Vice President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo played a crucial role in influencing the change of the name Matabeleland HighlandersA� Football Club to Highlanders Football Club.
a�?Nkomo united us through sport by doing away with the tribal distinctions that were then present in most football clubs, he ordered us to change the name.
We held a meeting at Stanley Square l in Makokoba and we came up with the name Highlanders as opposed to Matabeleland Highlanders,a�? said Mhlanga.
He says his great experience was in 1978 when romour-mill had it that the club was being bewitched at its home ground Babourfields Stadium.
Consequently, Mhlanga, said they were compelled to guard the stadium and hordes of Bosso faithful routinely did that day and night.
At the time, the team was financially sounds as all Bulawayo businessmen were all backing the club. .
Online Reporter