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Nkululeko Ndlovu
HIGHLANDERS FC is a club with a rich history that spans decades. When one goes through it , it is very easy to wear a smile on your face. It is a history that is very rich. The fans are no doubt the best in the country and always united for a purpose.

Even little children become emotional when the name Highlanders is mentioned. It is also the culture at this great institution that has inspired many a people especially those from the City of Kings.

Black and white are the colours of the Giant Bosso. The mere mention of these colours in Bulawayo simply reminds you about Highlanders. Its logo has a rich cultural meaning that unites its followers. I had a chance to research briefly about this historic club and I was inspired to discover the various truths about this club.

For many decades the club has gone through thick and thin under harsh social, political and economic conditions but thank God it has remained intact under different leaders.

In all cases the Highlanders family has been united in purpose and objectives. Even when the team is losing and the chips are down, the loyal army of its supporters has remained supportive and united. It is this exceptional support that scares any opponent. The unity of the Highlanders family should be a lesson for future generations.

The club has had its fair share of the problems like other football clubs in the country.It has faced a number of challenges but what is inspiring is the victory at the end. Some of the problems have been financial, administrative, social and political.

The list is long. The year 2014 had its own share among these just like any other year. Different methods have been used in the past to solve problems in this family. At times we have seen frustration taking its toll on the membership resulting in some members resorting to violence which is uncalled for. The club has as a result been fined many times.

Recently some disgruntled members resorted to signing a petition and according to the club constitution, this is a constitutional right.

But the culture at the club does not permit this method given the historical unity of purpose among members. Whenever there are problems at the club, members are supposed to engage the executive and board until an amicable solution is found. I did not read anywhere in the history of the club where petitions solved the club’s problems. In fact when members use petitions to deal with problems, they will be like people who wash their dirty linen in public. I personally advise against this given the negative repercussions of such an act not just to the club but to the society as well.

The petition does not only dent the image of the club but more seriously that of the institution.

It only portrays a house on fire. There are many avenues to take other than a petition. For example a petition is a mockery on the leadership of the club in the eyes of the opponent.

The ultimate aim should be to come up with suggestions on how to go about the problems. It should not be about jostling for executive positions as this will destroy the good legacy of the club.

As long as these differences are not personal, I am of the view and opinion that they can be solved in the club boardroom.

The board secretary must play an important role in all this given the fact that the board chairman has come out public on this petition issue. What matters is for people to be honest with each other and never to engage in character assassination.

It is common knowledge that through this kind of meeting some good and productive resolutions can be made. People should communicate through the normal friendly channels of the club.

Obviously the executive would benefit immensely from meaningful contributions from the club members. A petition should be the last method after parties have failed to agree on issues after this kind of meeting. At this stage there is no evidence that such a consultative meeting was held and failed.

It is only noble that the board and the executive summon the initiators of the petition to the club offices to hear their concerns in an effort to solve the misunderstanding. No one is a loser or winner on Highlanders issues. If there is a need for mediation, there are many able people who can assist in this regard.

If this needs to be put on the agenda for the next annual general so be it but for now the parties must find each other because they belong to one family – Highlanders.

Hopes are high that the petitioners are all clean and have no personal issues to resolve with management over failed deals.

 

Nkululeko Ndlovu is an organisational transformation consultant. He can be contacted on 0712 311 250 or 0772 610 305.