'Bosso, Greenfuel match netted US$811'

Highlanders Football Club Chairman, Kenneth Mhlophe, has disclosed that their recent Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against GreenFuel at Barbourfields Stadium generated a modest US$811 from gate takings, one of the lowest amounts the club has seen in recent times.

Speaking after the Sunday match, Mhlophe did not provide specifics on the attendance numbers but confirmed that the figure represents the revenue collected from paying fans at the stadium. The match saw a higher turnout compared to the previous fixture against ZPC Kariba, which had been marred by a boycott sparked by calls on social media for protest over perceived biased officiating and heavy fines imposed on the club.

"The total revenue from paying fans at the stadium was US$811," said Mhlophe, noting that while the turnout was higher than in the previous match, it still fell short of expectations.

The situation following the ZPC Kariba game had been difficult, with low attendance affecting the club's ability to meet its financial obligations, including paying for police and Bulawayo City Council services. Fans had chosen to either boycott the game or gather at the clubhouse instead, following online calls for action against the PSL's decision to fine the club.

However, Sunday's match saw a shift in sentiment, with fewer fans participating in the boycott or gathering at the clubhouse for fundraising activities. Even an attempt to rally support by inviting fans to celebrate the life of the club's late CEO, Sihlangu Dlodlo, did not have the intended impact. Dlodlo, who was found dead at his home last week, was laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery on Saturday.

When asked about the fundraising activity, Mhlophe explained that it was entirely fan-driven and that the club was still awaiting the final report on how much was raised and the number of people who attended the event.

"The fundraising is purely fan-driven, and we are yet to receive the outcome both in monetary and attendance figures," he said. "But the match against GreenFuel had all stakeholder obligations met, and the outcome was successful in terms of paying the PSL fines."

Despite the ongoing concerns surrounding the club's management and the fundraising efforts, Mhlophe was firm in asserting that the current board and executive remain in charge of Highlanders.

"The elected leadership of the club and the board of directors are the official leaders and authority of the club," Mhlophe emphasized, in response to growing speculation about a possible takeover by the organizers of the fundraising events.

The situation surrounding the clubhouse was chaotic at times, with tensions arising when fans who attended the match were denied entry and required to pay a fee to access the post-match celebrations. Gate marshals were deployed for the event, which led to a tense standoff before order was restored, and fans were able to enjoy the team's resounding 4-0 victory.

The win, which saw striker Lynoth Chikuhwa score a hat-trick—the first in a decade for Highlanders—alongside a goal from Marvin Sibanda, lifted spirits among the supporters, despite the earlier fundraising challenges.

Mhlophe and Secretary-General Morgan Dube, who also attended the post-match gathering, encouraged club members and the media to report any grievances to the police if needed, calling for transparency in the matter.

"I am sure they needed to report the matter to the club or police," Mhlophe concluded, emphasizing the need for clarity and resolution as the club continues to navigate through both internal and external challenges