Mbeba's house demand splits Bosso fans

Highlanders vice-captain Andrew Mbeba has ignited heated debate among Bosso supporters after adopting a hardline position in contract negotiations, insisting he will not sign a new deal unless a house is included in his signing-on package.

The 25-year-old defender, a product of Highlanders' youth development system, has reportedly stayed away from training since the start of the 2026 Premier Soccer League (PSL) pre-season, signalling a high-stakes standoff between the player and the club.

Sources close to the negotiations say Mbeba has made it clear that verbal assurances are no longer enough, insisting on a concrete, written commitment as part of any renewed contract.

The development has sharply divided the Bosso faithful, with the club's supporters flooding The Chronicle's Facebook page with mixed reactions.

A sizeable section of fans backed Mbeba, arguing that football careers are short and players must secure their futures while they can.

"Football is a short career. He deserves a house," wrote Patrick Ndlovu, while Philani Ndlovu added: "He deserves it. Give the boy what he deserves."

Others pointed to Mbeba's loyalty and leadership qualities, noting that he has risen through the club's ranks.

"Surely Andrew deserves a house, he has been loyal to the club since development and a good leader also," commented Mtha MT Bajila. "The team should not let him go, give him a house plus a car."

Nomvelo Ndlovu simply described the defender as a "clever boy" for standing firm.

Some supporters proposed compromise solutions, suggesting that the club could protect its interests while meeting the player's demands.

"Give him a house and ask that he signs a three-year contract – a win-win situation," wrote Fortune Nlandu Moyo.

However, another group of fans questioned whether Highlanders, a community-owned club, could realistically afford such a package given its well-documented financial challenges.

"Bosso can't honour that looking at their financial challenge," said Ncagu Sbhamusogodo KaSibungusodaka. "Other players may make the same request. We have to allow him to move."

Collen Mdlongwa echoed similar concerns: "We have to be realistic. Bosso is not owned by a rich magnate; it's just a community team. To ask the club to buy a house is complicated."

The standoff also reignited criticism of the club's leadership, with some supporters blaming poor management for the current impasse.

"The current Bosso executive doesn't even hold enough intellectual capacity," wrote Tata Ncube. "An executive that is so good at blundering, it's as if they are paid for it."

Keepwell Zuzumbe added: "Highlanders' poor management and lack of foresight brought the team to this chaos."

Others raised broader questions about player welfare and club finances. Mandla Khumalo queried why Highlanders frequently struggle financially despite strong match-day attendance at Barbourfields Stadium.

"How come Bosso doesn't have money since the stadium is always full?" he asked, prompting responses from fellow fans who pointed out that only a portion of gate takings goes to the club, with the remainder paid to the Bulawayo City Council and other stakeholders.

As negotiations drag on, Mbeba's future at Highlanders remains uncertain, with the outcome likely to have implications not only for the club's pre-season preparations but also for how Bosso handles player contracts going forward.