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Ndumiso Gumede

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS Football Club will soon begin the process of hunting for a chief executive officer who will eventually take over when incumbent Ndumiso Gumede’s two-year contract ends in December.

Some sources within the club’s board of directors said the process of identifying a suitable candidate actually got into motion last year as the board had recommended to the executive that an understudy to the vastly experienced Gumede ought to be appointed six months before Gumede’s contract ends.

The board, according to sources had recommended a one-year contract but he was eventually given a two-year contract by the Peter Dube-led executive.

Gumede, a former Highlanders chairman, rejoined the club as an employee at the middle of last year with his terms of reference, among others, being to set up proper administrative structures at the club.

Dube referred questions to the board of directors chairman Mgcini Nkolomi.

“I suggest you talk to the board chairman about that,” said Dube.

Nkolomi said while they have not really discussed the issue of Gumede’s successor, the issue will be attended to at the appropriate time.

“We will soon be having our strategic plan and that is when that issue will probably come up for discussion, together with other key administrative issues that will help the club move forward,” said Nkolomi.

A board member who spoke to Chronicle Sport said that process was already underway, adding that the club was very fortunate to have someone of Gumede’s calibre.

“When Gumede came on board last year, his mandate was to set up proper structures and then have an understudy for at least six months.

“The club is really fortunate that someone as knowledgeable in football matters as Gumede is a member. The job will be easier for his successor, who I hope will be appointed sooner than later,” said the board member.

Nhlanhla Dube, one of a few internationally qualified sport administrators in the country has previously been tipped to lead the Bosso secretariat.

He remains the only one yet to put what Fifa taught him in Botswana into practice.

His colleagues Kennedy Ndebele and Jonathan Mashingaidze now head the Premier Soccer League and Zifa respectively.

Dube is a former Highlanders committee member and secretary-general.

Another candidate who could be considered is Brian Moyo, a Zifa education officer and former Highlanders administrator.