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VICE-PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday officially handed over Highlanders their team bus secured out of a partnership between the oldest football club in the country and its long-time benefactor Tshinga Dube at a ceremony held at Barbourfields Stadium.
Speaking during the handover of the bus, which has the capacity to carry 65 passengers, VP Mnangagwa said he agreed to officiate at the function because of the invitation he got from Dube with whom he has worked for over 40 years and he also felt that it was an honour to be associated with Highlanders, a club with a rich history in Zimbabwean football.
“I agreed to officiate out of respect at the invitation I got from Tshinga Dube, we have travelled together for over 40 years. I also felt that it was an honour to be associated with Highlanders, anybody would want to be associated with success. I am not surprised by Tshinga Dube’s generosity, while I was seated with Highlanders chairman Dube (Peter) he was narrating to me how grateful they are to Tshinga Dube. I feel honoured to officiate on this occasion,’’ said VP Mnangagwa.
Before he handed over the keys of the bus to Highlanders officials, VP Mnangagwa was presented with a Bosso number nine shirt as well as a framed shirt belonging to the club. FC Platinum chairman Dumisani Chisale also gave the Vice-President a framed signed shirt belonging to the Zvishavane-based club.
Highlanders board chairman Mgcini Nkolomi thanked Tshinga Dube for the role he played in making yesterday’s handover a reality.
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Andrew Langa took the opportunity to apprise VP Mnangagwa of the plight of local football clubs such as Highlanders who continue to have the bulk of their gate takings going to service providers such as the police, owners of stadia, the Sports and Recreation Commission, Zimbabwe Football Association as well as the Premier Soccer League with little remaining for the teams to cater for their expenses such as players’ salaries and bonuses.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Nomthandazo Eunice Moyo described Tshinga Dube as a man who is always willing to assist.
There was huge excitement as the bus drove from the Large City Hall car park, went past areas such as the Innscor Foodcourt opposite Tredgold Magistrates Courts, Renkini Long Distance Bus Terminus, Makokoba and Manwele Beer Garden.
Huge appreciative crowds clad in Highlanders colours accompanied the bus on its journey to Barbourfields.
The bus was acquired after Highlanders set aside $20 000 from proceeds they secured from being runners-up to Dynamos in the 2013 Bob Super Cup which they gave to the club’s long-standing sponsor Tshinga Dube who added $25 000 from his own funds for the vehicle’s purchase in South Africa.
Yesterday’s official handover of the bus should silence sections of the Highlanders members who questioned the club leadership’s wisdom in giving Tshinga Dube the money for the bus.
Online Reporter