adminNcube, who is part of the seven candidates vying for the vice-chairman’s position lost to Elkanah Dube in the 2006 elections for the same seat.
Other members targeting the vice-chairman’s office are incumbent Sikhanyiso Moyo, city businessman Joel Mahlangu, Harare Supporter Association chairman Mgcini Mpofu, Leroy Maplanka, former marshals Wisdom Mabhena and Frank Moyo.
In an interview yesterday, Ncube said the Highlanders family should be concerned with the big number of candidates targeting positions.
“What disappoints me most about Highlanders elections is that some people vote for their friends and not candidates with the right qualifications and capacity to lead the club. The number of those vying for the vice-chairman’s position is big and it’s as if people are undermining the post.
“There is great danger of people who do not qualify for the seat being elected into office and that is why I am saying in future, Highlanders members should say that whoever has to hold office must first be cleared by police. This will be done to safeguard the interests of the club,” Ncube said.
He said he has followed the club since his boyhood days.
Ncube said the desire to serve the community had driven him to stand for the vice-chairman’s position.
“I have an ambition of not only staying as a vice-chairman but to rise through the ranks and become a Highlanders board member or even the club president. Some people feel suitable by staying as vice-chairpersons but I am different. My name Fiso says it all. F stands for fearless, I, for intelligent, S, for sociable and O for organised.
“I grew up in Mzilikazi, Barbourfields and started supporting Highlanders as a kid when the team’s uniform was washed at home. I am the board chairman for Sidlani Trust where I help people living with disabilities by sourcing wheelchairs. I work closely with the Rotary International and Mercy Corp of Harare. As it is I am helping in sourcing hearing aides for the disadvantaged and I am doing all this from the bottom of my heart. I have been involved in community projects for sometime and since Highlanders is a community club, I believe I am the right person to serve the club,” he said.
Ncube said he was an Information Technology expert and is a marketer.
He said Bosso should revisit the idea of partnerships it once had with Coventry.
“Bosso is a big institution which has to be in line with the global world we live in. We have friends outside the country and have to twin Highlanders with clubs like Juventus or even revive the relationship we used to have with Coventry FC. It was through partnerships that Coventry FC identified Peter Ndlovu.
“I was in Indonesia for a Trade Expo last year and people there said they knew about Highlanders and want the club to approach them for twining. I am the guy with contacts and I want to serve the club through these links. I am a leader who is a team player who believes that if we agree on something we have to work together for the club to succeed. As a vice-chairman my job will be to complement the chairman and run for him. My task also is to unite, encourage, direct and lead people,” Ncube said.
He also spoke about the need for Bosso to embark on a fundraising and recruitment drive.
Ncube suggested that in order for the club to increase its membership and get money, there is a need to have the office people selling cards at malls in the city.
He said there were other business ventures that Highlanders can undertake to generate revenue to sustain the club’s activities.
“As it is, there are about 3 000 card carrying members but we have a big following and my suggestion is to take the office to the people. Maybe one weekend we pitch tents Egodini or malls in the city and sell our membership cards because Highlanders is a brand which needs to be sold out.
“When I look at Bosso, ngibona imali nje izihambela. There is an adage which says “oranges don’t fall far away from a tree” and Highlanders is that tree with the followers being oranges. Highlanders should be able to sustain itself. We have to create our own Highlanders Funeral Policy and partner top insurance companies just like what Kaizer Chiefs have done. Emalokitshini bathi ngama-burial society and we can have that at Highlanders. The monthly subscriptions can be invested at local or foreign stock markets and generate revenue for the club,” said Ncube.
He also suggested that Bosso can form Micro-King finance company and lend money to the people at a reasonable interest.
“All this needs a vibrant vice-chairman who can meet the ambassadors, diplomats and represent the chairman if he is not there. That vice-chairman must always think of ways to make money for the club. I am that person, with the contacts and can represent the club to the best of my abilities,” he said.
Sidumisile Mabena