Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS’ membership fees must be reduced to affordable levels in line with the country’s prevailing economic climate, according to the club’s aspiring vice-chairman Modern Ngwenya.

He said subscription fees must embrace the age old supply and demand theory to increase the club’s membership.

Ngwenya, the former Highlanders’ Harare Supporters Chapter chairman, said Bosso must do a reality check to know its support base instead of coming up with membership fees most supporters cannot afford.

He also called for the decentralisation of the membership cards’ access points.

“It’s a known fact that at $30 people were not buying those membership cards and what does the club do; it goes on to increase it almost two fold. So once in office, I will impress upon my colleagues to review membership fees downwards. It’s all about pushing volumes and not making membership exclusive,” said Ngwenya.

“There is also the issue of centralisation of issuance of membership cards which makes it difficult for supporters out of Bulawayo to access them.

“We need to decentralise this process by ensuring that someone in Tsholotsho, Hwange, Filabusi, Mutare, Harare and Beitbridge, among other places, doesn’t have to travel to Bulawayo to acquire Highlanders’ membership.

Even in Bulawayo, there must be other selling points besides the club’s office,” said Ngwenya.

He said he would also push for the revival of various sub-committees that are either dormant or literally non-existent.

“The sub-committees must be made up of competent members with proven track records in that particular area.

“Sub-committees play a very important role in the running of the club such as fundraising and ensuring the two commercial entities, the club house and Manwele Beer Garden, generate the much needed income as well as pushing sales volumes of club regalia,” Ngwenya said.

He said he was ready for office.

“In the unlikely event that I lose, I will accept defeat with honour and continue supporting and serving this great institution as an ordinary member.”

Ngwenya is vying for the vice chairmanship with incumbent Mgcini Sibhalo Mpofu, Nkosinathi Ncube and businessman Kenneth Mhlophe in Sunday’s elections at the club house.

Besides the vice-chairman’s poll, Highlanders’ members will also elect a treasurer, a post presently held by Donald Ndebele, who is seeking a fresh mandate.

He is being challenged by Charles Ndlovu.

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