Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS will today unveil Hendrik Pieter de Jongh as their new head coach, following the Dutchman’s long-awaited acquisition of a work permit.
The Bulawayo giants, who traditionally hold their pre-match Press conferences on Thursdays, have shifted the event to Friday to coincide with what is expected to be the official unveiling of the returning coach.
Club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, confirmed yesterday that all paperwork is now in order.
“De Jongh’s papers are now in place. He travelled to Harare yesterday to finalise the finer details of his work permit, but it is certain he will be on the bench for the club’s next match,” said Mhlophe.
The outspoken Dutchman, who led Bosso to the 2019 Chibuku Super Cup before making a sudden departure, has been tasked with reviving the fortunes of the fading giants, languishing in the lower half of the table. Although Highlanders have publicly dismissed suggestions of a relegation battle, their current league position paints a more concerning picture.
De Jongh, nicknamed “The Dutch Nomad,” first joined Highlanders in September 2019, replacing Mandla Mpofu, who had earlier succeeded Madinda Ndlovu. During his brief tenure, he delivered silverware by guiding Bosso to victory over Ngezi Platinum in the Chibuku Super Cup final at Barbourfields Stadium. He later joined FC Platinum, where he won the Castle Challenge Cup in March 2020 — ironically against Highlanders.
His stint in Zvishavane came to an abrupt end when Caf ruled that his Uefa A Licence did not meet the requirements for Champions League participation, prompting the club to reappoint Norman Mapeza.
Highlanders sit ninth on the table with 29 points, level with Bikita Minerals in tenth, ahead of Sunday’s away fixture against the same side.
During the transfer window, Bosso bolstered their squad with the addition of Nigerian striker Benjamin Oluwarothim Adeogun, on loan from Gwanda Pirates, alongside midfielders Learnmore Muyambo and Martin Nhubu from Ngezi Platinum.
Nhubu’s move is yet to be officially announced. All three signings are believed to have been recommended by De Jongh.
Meanwhile, the Premier Soccer League has confirmed six suspensions for Matchday 26 due to accumulated yellow cards.
Those ruled out include Obriel Chirinda (Ngezi Platinum), Innocent Mucheneka and Tymon Mvula (Yadah Stars), Yask Rupande (Manica Diamonds) and Simbarashe Musutukwa (Kwekwe United).
Matchday 26 fixtures
Friday: Yadah FC v Ngezi Platinum (Heart Stadium)
Saturday: TelOne v Chicken Inn (Ascot Stadium), Simba Bhora v Kwekwe United (Wadzanayi Stadium), Herentals v Scotlland, ZPC Kariba v Triangle (Nyamhunga Stadium), FC Platinum v CAPS United (Mandava Stadium)
Sunday: Manica Diamonds v MWOS (Sakubva Stadium), Dynamos v GreenFuel (Rufaro Stadium), Bikita Minerals v Highlanders
Bongani Ndlovu