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Peter Dube

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS members have called for the dissolution of their Under-19 developmental side that plays in the Zifa Bulawayo Province Division Two league. The proposal was made at the club’s mid year extra general meeting held at Highlanders Clubhouse yesterday morning with members saying the developmental side, formed to be a feeder side to the first team, has not achieved its objective in the last couple of years despite gobbling a lot of money from the institution.

Responding to the call to do away with the Under-19 side, Highlanders chairman Peter Dube said if it was the feeling of the members that they dissolve the junior side, then there was a need for the suggestion to be formally tabled at the next members meeting likely to be the 2014 annual general meeting.

“For those who might remember, I was sceptical about this whole issue when it was suggested at this meeting sometime back when I was not even in office. If the feeling right now is that we do away with the developmental side I see nothing wrong with us looking at the suggestion,” said Dube.

He said since the formation of the Under-19, the club has not really benefited in terms of having top quality players graduating into the senior team and making a huge impact.

Quite a few players have graduated from the development side to the senior team and made an impact, serve for goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda who went on to be voted the 2012 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Year.

“The league now requires that we register 30 players, five of which will be youngsters so we really don’t need a whole team playing in the lower league, ” said Dube.

He thanked the member who proposed the idea, former Highlanders vice-chairman Sikhanyiso Moyo.
At the same meeting, another member asked what exactly transpired during the league match against Hwange in which the team travelled all the way to the coal mining town with a single kit that clashed with the hosts’ colours resulting in Highlanders playing in a red kit given to them by former Hwange midfielder Aleck Nyoni.

The Highlanders chairman while acknowledging that it was a mistake not to be repeated, explained that sponsors had not at that time provided enough uniforms.

“I just hope that you are not being political with your question but what I can tell you is that we have had similar situations before where uniforms have been an issue, even at our own home ground. I remember last year I was phoned and asked to bring a magic marker because our kit had no names,” said Dube.

Presenting his mid year financial statement, Highlanders treasurer, Jerry Sibanda, told members that a total of 52 000 fans paid their way to watch the club in action in its home games.

He said the club used $13 935 on transport and accommodation, $4 400 on hire of training grounds with $3 578 going towards the junior sides.
“We also have debts and as I speak we still owe our former coaches Madinda Ndlovu and Mkhuphali Masuku $21 000 and $12 000 respectively. Our team doctor, Xolani Ndlovu is also owed the same amount as Masuku, ” said Sibanda.

Former chairman Themba Ndlela is also owed $9 000 with the chairman Dube telling members that they will engage Ndlela in an effort to reach common ground.

“There is nothing wrong with Ndlela asking for his money and as a club we will engage him on that just like everyone we owe,” said Dube.