Player contract renewals trouble Bosso

Fungai Muderere, fungai.muderere@bmetro.co.zw

HIGHLANDERS chairman Kenneth Mhlophe has admitted that player contract renewals continue to pose a challenge following another underwhelming season, which saw the team finish sixth in the league table, extending their championship drought to 18 years.

Bosso last won the league title in 2006 under the guidance of Methembe “Mayor” Ndlovu.

“Our flagship side, the Highlanders senior men’s team, is indeed our barometer, defining the club and serving as a key point of engagement with the wider community and stakeholders, including members, fans, corporate partners, and various other publics. Given this, the performance of the senior side directly impacts the socio-economic cycle of our greater community.

“Much like in 2023, the team performed well in the first half of the season under a new coach, only to falter in the second half, finishing a disappointing sixth in the standings,” said Mhlophe.

He added: “The latter half of 2024 also coincided with several senior players stalling on contract renewals, opting instead to see out their contracts with us. Player recruitment and retention have become increasingly complicated and challenging for club management, particularly with the involvement of player managers, agents, and other intermediaries.

“For players, signing short one-year contracts is highly lucrative on a personal level, albeit at the expense of team stability, performance, and financial planning.”

Mhlophe also noted that, in contrast to 2023, Bosso’s coaches in 2024 “somehow found a remedy for a previously weak attack,” enabling the team to score competitively. Their former striker, Lynoth Chikuhwa, finished as the league’s top scorer with 17 goals.

Chikuhwa recently joined the big-spending Scottland FC, along with Peter Muduhwa, Godfrey Makaruse, and Marvelous Chigumira.

“Unfortunately, our improved attacking prowess was accompanied by a leaky defence, conceding goals too cheaply at times. This issue was so concerning that over the course of 34 matches, our coaches rotated all three goalkeepers in search of a reliable pair of hands,” Mhlophe stated.

Meanwhile, in their maiden season in the topflight league, Highlanders Royals — the club’s women’s team — finished 11th in their 16-team league.

Their top goal scorer was Notabo Nkabinde, who netted seven goals.

“We would like to commend the team for their efforts despite operating in an unfavourable environment, where they were on the road nearly every week. We also make a heartfelt appeal to members to support the girl child in whatever way possible. The team plays all their home matches at our sports club grounds,” Mhlophe added.

Bosso’s women’s team is managed by Edmore Sibanda, who is assisted by Sithandile Khoza. Navy Masuku serves as the team manager, while Emmanuel Nkomo is the fitness trainer.
-@FungaiMuderere

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