Crunch annual general meeting for Bosso

Fungai Muderere in BULAWAYO

HIGHLANDERS members will converge today at their club house in Bulawayo for what is expected to be a crunch annual meeting that will precede executive elections to be held a week later.

It is at the meeting that Bosso’s paid-up members will review the club’s performance on the field of play and boardroom, as well as map the way forward.

The meeting comes at a time when the football gods seem to have turned their back on the black-and-white army, a local football crazy family that has endured close to two decades of a barren spell without a PSL championship title.

Since 2006, Bosso have played second fiddle to Dynamos, Chicken Inn, CAPS United, FC Platinum and Ngezi Platinum Stars for the ultimate prize in domestic football.

They only came close to clinching the league title in 2012 and 2013 under the tutelage of Zambian coach Kelvin Kaindu.

Interestingly, the God-fearing mentor has since retraced his steps to the Bulawayo giants ahead of the start of the 2024 season.

Last year, after going for a remarkable 19-match unbeaten run, Highlanders fizzled out along the way, with Ngezi Platinum Stars, Manica Diamonds, Dynamos and FC Platinum eventually finishing ahead of them.

Incumbent Bosso secretary-general Morgen Dube said members would debate on minutes of the previous meeting and assess whether the club achieved all its set targets.

The chairperson’s report will also be read and subjected to a discussion before adoption.

It looks set to be an explosive indaba given that Bosso have been found wanting in terms of on-field success.

There are also reports of squabbles over allegations of financial mismanagement, while the club’s player recruitment policy is most likely to come under scrutiny.

Over the years, Highlanders have turned out to be an institution that provides players with a platform to develop their talent and market themselves, only to be lured by other clubs, while the Bulawayo giants do not pocket anything.

The recent departure of defender Mbongeni Ndlovu, who was snatched by former champions FC Platinum for free, has been cited as an example of Highlanders’ flawed player policy.

Issues to do with the club’s false start on the mining venture are also expected to be raised and thoroughly discussed.

Bosso board chairperson Luke Mnkandla said it was all systems go for the meeting.

“Everything is in place . . . we are ready for the meeting. It’s an annual event. Other members have always decided to stay away; we wish all the club members could come for the event so that we forge the way forward together,” Mnkandla said.

“This time around, the annual general meeting comes when we are scheduled to have our executive elections.

“When there are elections, there is a tendency of having groupings, which I don’t want to call factions.

“It’s not necessary, we must compete and support the winner. Emotions are bound to be there at the meeting whether a view from a certain member is correct or not and we should guard against that.

“However, we are expecting to have a good meeting.”

Next Sunday, all eyes will be on the Bosso chairmanship race, which promises to be a fierce battle.

Incumbent Johnfat Sibanda, Kenneth Mhlophe, Nodumo Nyathi and Eddison Dube have already tabled diverse ideas and strategies meant to bring back grandeur and excitement to Highlanders, should any of them win.

Three years ago, Sibanda edged Mhlophe to assume Bosso’s hot seat and now the pair face a young and vibrant Nyathi, who has proposed a seven-point plan as his turnaround strategy.

Dube is facing two opponents in his bid to be re-elected secretary-general, with Nsikelelo Moyo and Raerburn Ndebele throwing in their names in the hat.

Current committee member Mgcini Mafu has decided against contesting, leaving Bhekumuzi Sibanda and Kindman Ndlovu to battle for the seat.