Who will lead Bosso to glory?

TOMORROW, members of Highlanders, one of the most popular and successful football clubs in the country, will have the opportunity to elect their leaders in a democratic process. The club, which has a rich history and a loyal fan base, will hold its elections at the team’s clubhouse, where four candidates will compete for the chairman’s post and three candidates will vie for the secretary-general’s post. The committee member’s post will be contested by two candidates.

The chairman’s race is expected to be tight, as the incumbent Johnfat Sibanda faces three challengers — Kenneth Mhlophe, Nodumo Nyathi and Edison Dube. Sibanda, who won the seat three years ago by a narrow margin against Mhlophe, will have to defend his record and vision for the club, which has not won the league title for 18 years. Mhlophe, who lost by only five votes in the last election, will hope to turn the tables and claim the top spot. Nyathi, who has presented a seven-point plan to transform the club, will aim to convince the members that he has the best strategy and skills to lead the club. Dube, who is also a former player and coach of the club, will seek to use his experience and passion to win the hearts and minds of the voters.

The secretary-general’s race is also expected to be competitive, as the incumbent Morgen “Gazza” Dube faces two opponents — Nsikelelo Moyo and Raerburn Ndebele. Gazza, who has been in office for three years, will have to prove that he has performed well and deserves another term. Moyo and Ndebele, who are both former players of the club, will challenge Gazza’s record and offer their own ideas and proposals to improve the club’s administration and performance.

The committee member’s post will be a two-horse race, as Mgcini Mafu, who was initially in the running, decided to withdraw from the contest. This leaves Bhekumuzi “Mahii” Sibanda and Kindman Ndlovu to battle for the seat, which is responsible for overseeing the club’s finances and operations.

All the candidates have agreed on the need to focus on the sporting development of the club and to nurture the young talent from the club’s youth set-up. They have also given their manifestos and campaigned for their votes, but what do the club members want from their leaders?

Moeli Kelebile, a Bosso member, said he expects leaders to be unifiers and planners.

“First and foremost, we need an executive that understands the country’s economic situation for planning purposes. We need leaders who are unifiers. The club has turned into a factional institution. We need corporate governance-oriented leaders, who can monetise the brand Highlanders and above all make Highlanders the winner after polls,” he said.

Sibekiwe Ndlovu, another member, concurred with Kelebile’s sentiments.

“I would want to see leaders that work together who complement each other. It shouldn’t be about individuals but collective decision-making. And should serve the club with all they have. Members have entrusted them with this duty and don’t expect less. We need leaders who think outside the box and are not confined in a begging bowl mentality. Should explore different revenue streams and shouldn’t always rely on the benevolence of sponsors and donors. Highlanders should be a self-sustainable entity but that can only happen when we have leaders with business brains, ambitious and willing to take the club to another level,” she said.

Chanke We Bosso, a Bosso follower, said he wants leaders who will stand up for the club’s interests and players.

“I want leaders who will not be bullied when it comes to hearings and PSL. Our leaders should be able to stand their ground, especially on issues to do with fines and suspension of players. I want leaders who will make our players happy first before anything,” he said.

Kholiwe Moyo, another member, said she will vote for someone who has the team at heart and listens to advice.

“We want to have people with the team at heart in the office. Someone who truly loves this club. We want people who are certain of their role once selected. I feel we need people who listen to advice. We don’t want dictators but people who are ready to listen to the next person,” she said.

Voting will start at 10am and end at noon, and the results will be announced soon after. The election is expected to be peaceful and transparent, as the club has a democratic tradition and a constitution that guides the process. The elected leaders will have a huge responsibility to steer the club forward and end the long wait for glory.

@innocentskizoe