Bosso lose Inyathi gold mine

Highlanders Football Club have lost control of their Inyathi gold mine after failing to carry out any meaningful development on the project they were granted in 2020.

The development was confirmed on Saturday by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Permanent Secretary, Pfungwa Kunaka, who said the club did not apply for renewal of the special grant under which the mining claim was held.

"Our Matabeleland North provincial office has confirmed that the Special Grant expired, and the ground was subsequently applied for by a different applicant. The original holder did not apply for renewal. Special Grants have two-year renewable cycles," Kunaka said.

Highlanders were awarded the gold mining claim by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2020 as part of efforts to empower the Bulawayo-based football giants to diversify and strengthen their revenue streams beyond football activities.

The granting of the mine was widely celebrated by the club's supporters and leadership, coming at a time when Highlanders were marking 95 years of existence. It was viewed as a significant milestone and a symbolic gift from the Head of State, expected to provide long-term financial stability for one of Zimbabwe's most historic football institutions.

However, the failure to develop the mine or secure renewal of the special grant has now resulted in the loss of the claim, dealing a blow to the club's ambitions to benefit from mining ventures as an alternative source of income.