Chronicle Editor
Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE two-month closure of the Highlanders Clubhouse to carry out major renovations has been worth the wait, with the facility set to be reopened tomorrow.
Chronicle Sport yesterday found constructors working on rounding up installations as they race towards meeting the opening deadline.
The reopening of the clubhouse is perfectly timed as it comes three days before Highlanders play their first Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against ZPC Kariba at Barbourfields Stadium.
The clubhouse now has a fresh look and has been given a facelift synonymous with the upmarket pubs in the city and beyond the borders.
It is highly likely that the clubhouse, whose bar has been transformed into a top-class facility will be a go-to place for Highlanders followers as well as patrons who like to frequent an upmarket leisure centre.
Closed just after the New Year, designers have done an exquisite job.
The French door facing the parking lot has been replaced with an aluminium frame, with the replica display which was donated by a group of Highlanders supporters who follow English Premiership championship favourites Arsenal not affected by the renovations.
A platform has been constructed just outside the side facing the fields and it is in this area where revellers who might want to party or indulge outside the bar can sit. A shade and windbreakers will be put to cover the platform.
Inside the clubhouse bar, a whiskey corner has been set up at the side that used to have the pool table.
As one moves towards the toilets, there’s a disc jockey (DJ) box. The old counter has been brought down and it has been extended towards the men’s toilet door.
Designer hanging lamps have been put in place to give an immaculate look.
New, stylish floor and wall tiles are part of the new look.
Highlanders communications and marketing officer, Nozibelo Maphosa said they are excited with the progress made at the clubhouse.
“Hopefully our members, fans, regular patrons and revellers will find the newly revamped Highlanders clubhouse appealing. It comes with great taste and the way it is, the clubhouse can compete with any top class sports bar or club in town.
“We’re looking at having the clubhouse reopened on Thursday and we believe everything is on course, with just a few items like chairs and tables outstanding. Most of the stuff has been installed as you see and it’s now a matter of making final touches and then we will be good to go,” said Maphosa.
Bosso partnered Phathisani Nkomo, a businessman with interests in leisure facilities to spruce up the Highlanders Clubhouse whose lease was secured in 1987 by the late Ndumiso Gumede executive and had been in a dilapidated state. — @ZililoR
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