‘Overhaul Bosso constitution’

Nkosilathi Sibanda, [email protected]

HIGHLANDERS executive secretary post aspirant in the upcoming elections, Nsikelelo Mafa-Moyo has called for a complete overhaul of the club’s constitution, saying in its current form, it is not in accordance with world football governance requirements.

Moyo, popularly known as “Advovo” who is a seasoned corporate lawyer said there was a need for the club to also unpack the constitution and help all the members and stakeholders to understand it.

Having submitted his nomination papers yesterday morning, he said if voted into office, among his priorities would be to play a part, together with other members in the leadership structure to “fix” the constitution.

In his manifesto he also advocates for unity, integrity and commitment to duty for the successful running of the club.

“As it is now, the Highlanders constitution has a lot of flaws. Our constitution needs a total overhaul. Take for instance right now, there is an issue of the team’s colours. The constitution is specific that the Highlanders colours shall be black and white but, those colours are not in compliance with Premier Soccer League and Confederation of African Football rules which require that you should have an away uniform and a third uniform with different colours. Already, that is a breach. So, the constitution should comply with various regulatory bodies which we subscribe to,” said Moyo in a lengthy interview with Zimpapers Sports Hub this week.

Highlanders has over the years worn black and white at home, all white away and lately even had red as the alternative colour.

He touched the club’s membership issue, drawing to debate the life membership clause, which he said was continuously being breached.

“We should also look at the issue of membership. Right now there is life membership. The constitution specifically states that life membership shall be granted to those who have been ordinarily members for at least two years and also by recommendation. All that has been breached. Of late we have witnessed life membership being granted because one has money and they have paid up. You cannot do that and have a selective application of the law.

“Even those who are in office now, they were voted for by those who have life membership that is not in terms of the constitution. The best thing to do is to unpack the entire constitution to the membership, clause by clause. We can fix it and have it comply with regulations of PSL and all other regulatory bodies. My view is let’s have a total overhaul of the constitution. From the first article to the last one,” he said.

The Highlanders constitution has been under review for a while with the committee at one time having Innocent Ncube and Andrew Tapela.

Moyo urged fellow club members to love one another.

“As we approach the upcoming elections for the new Executive members, I urge each and every one to come together and maintain unity, love and passion that has defined our club for so long.

“We are one people, bound together by our love for this beautiful game and our commitment to our beloved club. Let us not allow the upcoming elections to divide us, but instead, let us use it as an opportunity to come together even stronger. We are a family and families support and uplift each other. Let us show the world what it means to be a part of the Highlanders Football Club, a club that values unity and togetherness above all else,” he said.

He said after the elections, Highlanders has to come out a stronger institution than before.

“No matter the outcome of the elections, let us remember that we are all working towards the same goal, the success and prosperity of our club. Let love and passion guide us through this process, and may it only bring us closer together.”
Moyo lamented a lack of communication between club members and the executive, an issue he will help address.

“I am looking forward at creating a good information sharing platform. These days there are many platforms for bulk messages and we have to create a members’ data base. I don’t see why we cannot share information through. People cannot have confidence in a leadership when information is not shared with the general membership. Our social media pages have to be active other than posting results. We have to engage.”

His promise to club members is to lead with honesty and accountability.

“My interest and my aspiration to be the Highlanders secretary, basically comes from the passion I have for the club and also having observed so many things happening around the club. My intention is to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the club’s administrative activities. This includes but, is not limited to managing the club’s communication, organising meetings, events and providing support to the executive team.

“I am honoured to be aspiring for the role of secretary and I promise to lead with integrity and deep love for our club. But I cannot do it alone. I need each and every one of you to stand by my side and support me in this journey. Together, let us continue to write the history of our club with pride and determination. For we are Highlanders and together, we are unstoppable,” he said.

Moyo has vast experience in the legal field, having worked with many corporate entities and was one time a magistrate in Botswana.

“I have 22 years’ experience in the legal profession. I started off as a practicing court going lawyer, registered and admitted in Botswana where I was also a magistrate for three years.

“I have also worked in academia as a law lecturer. Over the past seven years, I was a legal advisor in the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs and a corporate board member for various companies in that ministry. My specialty is corporate law and corporate governance,” he said.