Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS have been pushed into the spotlight over salary imbalances as the club prepares for a major squad overhaul in 2026, with chief executive Denzil Mnkandla confirming that Bosso will review contracts and player gradings in response to complaints raised by Zimpapers Sports Hub. The issue centres on why some development players earn about US$600 while a senior first team player who helped save the team this season earns US$325, and how the club intends to fix these gaps as it rebuilds.
Those concerns sharpened scrutiny of Bosso’s wage bill, which stands at US$72 000 for 42 contracted players. Sponsors cover US$41 000, leaving a US$31 000 monthly hole the club must fill to keep up with its obligations.
Mnkandla responded to the questions by saying, “The club has processes for contract upgrades and gradings, which it follows.” His assurance has not eased doubts about why the senior player in question has been on the same salary since joining in 2023.
Earlier this year, Zimpapers Sports Hub exposed another case involving Simba Madzivire, who received a residential stand as part of his signing on fee despite not being considered good enough for the first team. The matter revived long standing concerns about how Highlanders recruit and promote players, with many supporters convinced that Bosso 90 has lost direction. Only Andrew Mbeba has managed to rise from the development side and establish himself in the last six years.
The gap in quality between the senior team and the developmental structures has been highlighted by Bosso’s narrow escape from relegation. Mnkandla said this week, “These processes remain in place going into the coming season, including how players are recruited, retained and released.” The club must now decide what to do with several players who have running contracts but are no longer viewed as part of the team’s long term plan.
The coaching question remains delicate. Said Mnkandla, “The club also has a committee that sits to discuss coaching and technical appointments which are underway. As previously stated, once the club concludes such processes, official channels will be used to communicate a position.” Bosso parted ways with Pieter de Jongh despite his role in keeping the club up, adding to a long line of coaches who have failed to spark progress since 2019.
Highlanders now face broad changes if they hope to mark their 100th year with success on the field in 2026. The situation deepened on Monday when the club turned down sponsor Wicknell Chivayo’s offer to appoint Benjani Mwaruwari as head coach. Chivayo was willing to pay the coach’s salary, secure quality signings and inject a further million dollars into the club.
