marble nkomo
Highlanders Football Club speech at the breakfast launch in December 2025
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, honoured elders, members of the media, representatives of our corporate partners, leaders of our Highlanders chapters from across the country and beyond and above all, the proud and passionate Highlanders Football Club family.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, management, players, technical staff and the millions of Black and White faithful, it is my great honour and privilege to welcome you to the Highlanders Football Club Public Launch of the Centenary Celebrations, here at our spiritual home, the
Highlanders Clubhouse.
Today is more than an event.
Today is a statement.
Today officially marks the beginning of a historic, year-long journey as we prepare to celebrate 100 years of Highlanders Football Club.
This launch brings together the heartbeat of Bosso — our supporters, our chapters, our partners, our leaders and our community — because this centenary does not belong to administrators alone. It belongs to the people.
Before we proceed further, protocol demands that we acknowledge and appreciate the distinguished leadership and guests who have graced this occasion with their presence.
We are deeply honoured to be joined by the Honourable Minister of State, Honourable Judith Ncube, whose support for sport, culture and community development continues to inspire institutions like ours.
We also acknowledge with gratitude the leadership of our Club:
n Our Club President, Mr D. Sandi
n Members of the Board of Directors
n Our Executive Chairman, Mr K. Mhlophe
n The entire Executive Committee and Management Team who work tirelessly behind the scenes
A special and heartfelt welcome goes to our Highlanders chapters — from Bulawayo, Harare, Matabeleland, Midlands, Mashonaland and our international chapters across the diaspora. Your organisation, loyalty and unwavering support are the backbone of this great institution.
We also warmly welcome:
n Our corporate partners and prospective sponsors
n Traditional leaders and civic representatives
n Former players and club legends
n The media, who continue to amplify the Bosso story
And every supporter who has taken time to be part of this defining moment.
For the past 100 years, Highlanders Football Club — or Bosso, as we are affectionately known — has been far more than just a football team.
Founded in 1926, on the dusty grounds of Old Location, Makokoba, Highlanders was born from community, identity and purpose. From those humble beginnings, Bosso has grown into a national institution, a symbol of unity, pride and resilience.
We are not merely celebrating longevity.
We are celebrating impact.
For a century, Bosso has:
n United generations
n Given hope to communities
n Provided a platform for talent
n Offered pride to a city, a region and a nation
Our Achievements and Legacy
Over the years, Highlanders Football Club has written an indelible chapter in Zimbabwean football history.
We are proud custodians of:
n Seven league championships
n Multiple major cup triumphs, including the Independence Cup, Chibuku Super Cup, Mbada Diamond Cup and others
n A legacy that has made Bosso the heartbeat of Bulawayo and the Southern Region
But perhaps our greatest achievements are not only found in silverware.
They are found in the lives we have touched and the legends we have produced — icons such as Peter Ndlovu and Madinda Ndlovu, who carried the Black and White spirit beyond our borders and placed Zimbabwean football on the global stage.
We are equally proud of our commitment to community development — from grassroots football and youth coaching clinics to educational support initiatives that reinforce our belief that football must serve society.
Our centenary theme is:
“Beyond Football …Inspiring Generations…Celebrating a Passion –Driven Century Rooted in Pride, Culture and Football”
This centenary is not about nostalgia alone. It is a launchpad for the future.
As we enter our second century, Highlanders Football Club is committed to:
n Strengthening community ties, reinforcing Bosso as ithimu yelizwe lonke — the team of the whole nation
n Developing young talent, by transforming the Bosso Youth Academy into a world-class talent pipeline producing future national heroes
n Enhancing infrastructure, through modernisation of our training facilities, administrative offices and player welfare systems
n Building strategic partnerships, grounded in shared values, sustainability and long-term impact
Centenary Celebration Highlights
The Bosso 100 celebrations will be a national and international spectacle, engaging supporters at home and in the diaspora throughout 2026.
Key highlights will include:
A prestigious Centenary Gala Dinner bringing together legends, leaders and partners
The Heritage Project, including a permanent museum or archival space to preserve and showcase our rich history
The official Centenary Kit Launch, a global moment of pride and visibility
Community Day events, ensuring that the people who built Bosso are celebrated and uplifted
Call to Action: Partnership and Support
Ladies and gentlemen, this journey cannot — and must not — be walked alone.
We invite our corporate partners, institutions, and stakeholders to move beyond traditional sponsorship and become true partners and co-authors of the Highlanders centenary story.
Your support will enable us to:
n Fund structured youth development programmes
n Upgrade critical club infrastructure
n Deliver world-class centenary events
n Invest in sports science, technology and modern football management
We have developed structured partnership opportunities — from Centenary Legacy Partners to Official Event Sponsors — each offering meaningful brand integration, visibility and social impact.
Our team is ready to engage, to listen and to customise partnerships that deliver shared value.
Closing
Highlanders Football Club is more than a club.
We are a family.
We are an institution.
We are a community.
We are a symbol of Zimbabwean resilience and pride.
As we launch this centenary journey, we invite you to walk with us — to lend your support, your vision and your belief — as we secure the next 100 years of Bosso.
Let us make this centenary not just a celebration, but a legacy.
The future is Black and White.
Thank you.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo