Opinion / Columnist
Bosso crisis exposes leadership failure that threatens the soul of Highlanders
3 hrs ago |
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For too long, many Highlanders supporters have watched in silence as their beloved club has descended into chaos. But as salaries go unpaid, players down tools, boardroom wars intensify and supporters grow increasingly frustrated, the question can no longer be avoided, who exactly is running Highlanders Football Club?
Increasingly, fingers are being pointed at sections of the Board led by chairman Luke Mnkandla. Critics accuse Mnkandla and his allies of abandoning the constitutional role of the Board and turning an advisory body into a parallel executive authority, effectively reducing the elected Executive Committee into powerless spectators.
According to the Highlanders constitution, the Board exists to safeguard the club and its traditions. It is not mandated to run the day-to-day affairs of the institution. That responsibility belongs to the Executive Committee elected by members. Yet events unfolding at Bosso suggest that constitutional order has been turned upside down.
The controversy surrounding the Botswana trip has become the elephant in the room.
CEO Denzel Mankandla stands accused within the club of failing to account for nearly US$40,000 out of the US$52,000 allocated for the team's off-season 6 day trip to Botswana. Allegations have been made that an agent was used to make bookings and that the figures allegedly charged do not correspond with those of the hotel where the team stayed.
The biggest concern is not merely the allegations themselves, but the apparent lack of urgency to resolve them. No forensic audit, no public explanation, no reimbursement, and no closure. Just a cloud hanging over Highlanders.
When the Executive Committee reportedly demanded invoices and explanations, Denzel Mankandla allegedly failed to comply. A suspension followed which was revoked by the board and Denzel was allowed to continue as if nothing happened. After failing yet again to produce documents and report of Botswana trip, the ExCo issued another suspension letter a few days ago, reports say Board chairman Luke Mnkandla quickly convened a joint Board and Executive Committee meeting.
The obvious question is why, why should the Board interfere in disciplinary matters involving an employee when the constitution clearly places operations under the Executive Committee? Why is the Board allegedly fighting harder to protect the CEO than to protect the reputation of Highlanders Football Club?
Sources within the club claim Luke Mnkandla, aided by fellow board members Cosmas Skhosana, Elkana Dube, together with Botswana-based lawyer Nkululeko Fuzwayo, opposed efforts to discipline the CEO. Fuzwayo himself remains controversial, with questions being raised over reports that his appointment was never ratified by members at an Annual General Meeting as required by the constitution. Board member Peter Dube reportedly walked out of the meeting, while newly appointed Horace Ndubiwa remained silent.
The silence itself speaks volumes. Equally troubling are reports that Cosmas Skhosana and Elkana Dube received US$700 allowances each during the Botswana trip. Critics are asking whether those who benefited from the trip can objectively preside over issues arising from the same journey. These are questions demanding answers, not insults.
Coming to player salaries, reports indicate that Sakunda Holdings committed US$41,000 per month towards salaries and has consistently fulfilled its obligations. Yet CEO Denzel Mankandla allegedly signed contracts worth over US$75,000 a month, creating a monthly deficit of approximately US$34,000 since the beginning of the new season. Players have gone on strike for unpaid winnings bonuses several times in the first half of the season. Only one winning bonus has been paid to the players to fulfil Sunday's fixture. The morale amongst the players has plummeted.
And once again supporters are entitled to ask, if Sakunda committed US$41,000 monthly, why were obligations exceeding US$75,000 entered into? Who approved those commitments? Who benefits? And who must answer?
Meanwhile, businessman Wicknell Chivhayo reportedly pledged US$500,000 towards the upkeep of the club. Yet the money appears not to be flowing as expected. Some insiders believe unresolved questions surrounding the alleged US$40,000 Botswana expenditure could be behind the delay. Perhaps the biggest tragedy is that Highlanders now appears to have two centres of power. On one side stands the Executive Committee and on the other stands the Board. The losers in this power struggle are the players, coaches, and supporters.
Club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Fiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza reportedly recommended disciplinary action against the CEO and investigations into player contracts and finances. Yet Kindman Ndlovu and Morgen Dube allegedly refused, exposing deep divisions within the Executive Committee itself. One insider reportedly described Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza as three men trying to work under impossible conditions.
The Board, critics say, has effectively paralysed the Executive Committee, Executives cannot act, Executives cannot discipline, Executives cannot account, Executives cannot govern. That is not administration, that is hostage-taking.
On the football side, coach Benjani Mwaruwari has somehow managed to produce attractive football despite operating with limited resources and a small squad. Supporters have compared Bosso's style of play to the entertaining sides of 2006 and before. Despite his effort, coach has not received the support he requested and there are allegations that CEO and some powerful figures in the Executive preferred the return of Senong, Denzel's friend after his earlier departure due to work permit complications. If true, then personalities have been prioritised over the club.
The irony is that while players protest over unpaid salaries and bonuses, not one board member has come forward to rescue the club financially. They have failed even to buy players lunch while in camp. What supporters have seen instead is endless interference, factionalism, and power struggles.
The unavoidable question is this, what exactly is so valuable at Highlanders that some individuals in the board having been there for over 3 decades simply cannot let go? They bring nothing and having never done anything for the club but won't throw in the towel having achieved nothing but brought anarchy, division, and confusion at the club.
For years Luke Mnkandla has remained one of the most influential figures at Bosso. Supporters are increasingly asking why, power without accountability is dangerous.
Power without transparency is destructive.
Power without constitutional limits becomes dictatorship.
There are also questions regarding consistency. Former CEO Brian Moyo was removed and later convicted over a US$2,000 fraud case involving player deals.
Yet critics point to similar allegations involving a finance department employee accused of the same charge like Brian of overcharging the club by US$500 on the same player but Board chairman who ordered Brian's arrest hasn't acted on this. What about claims and evidence involving ghost players and unexplained overpayments exceeding US$30,000 which were presented at the last AGM, up to now no action has been taken by Mnkandla and his board?
Why does justice appear selective? Why are some punished while others appear untouchable? Meanwhile, the spectacle of Executive Committee members taking each other to court has exposed the depth of the dysfunction. What kind of Board permits servants of the same institution to sue one another while serving in the same committee yet the club is burning? Where are the principles? Where is the professionalism? Where is the leadership?
As Highlanders celebrates 100 years, Luke Mnkandla also chairs the centenary committee which is proof the man loves power. While Bosso marks a century of existence, supporters fear they are witnessing the slow destruction of the institution they inherited from previous generations.
Wicknell Chivhayo, a Bosso supporter who previously came to the club's rescue, reportedly extended financial support, and even provided personal vehicles and cash to Club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, Board Chairman Luke Mnkandla and CEO Denzel Mankandla.
Ironically, one of the beneficiaries is the same Luke Mnkandla who reportedly opposed the Chivhayo arrangement. After getting the cash and brand new car, he supports Chivhayo sponsorship.
Supporters expected better, instead, they see confusion, instead, they see division,
instead, they see stagnation. Enough is enough. Bosso belongs to its members, not to a Board. The constitution is not a suggestion, it is the law governing the club. Since the Board has indeed usurped executive authority, then members have every right to reclaim it.
The calls for an emergency Extraordinary General Meeting are growing louder, rightfully so and so too are demands for an independent forensic audit into the Botswana trip. US$40,000 does not simply vanish and we know money leaves a trail. If Denzel Mankandla is innocent, then clear his name. If wrongdoing occurred, then let the law take its course, no sacred cows, no board protection and no double standards.
Highlanders Football Club is not a family business and is not a private company. It is a 100-year trust founded in 1926 and sustained by generations of ordinary supporters. Those supporters are not asking for miracles, they are asking for accountability, they are asking for transparency, and they are asking for leadership.
Above all, they are demanding that Bosso be given back to the people. And history will judge harshly those who stood by while one of Africa's great institutions was brought to its knees from within. Many Bosso faithful believe the club is crying out for new leadership and insist that unless accountability, transparency and constitutional order are restored, the greatest casualty will not be individuals in the boardroom, but Highlanders Football Club itself.
The Board is now a liability to the club and detrimental to its development. It's time up for that law unto themselves cabal, Bosso Board Should Go and Go now to save Highlanders. Bosso is our pride, it is our identity and represents who we are as people of Matabeleland
--------------------Dalubuhle writes this as his personal opinion and can be contacted on dalu_khabo@gmail.com
Increasingly, fingers are being pointed at sections of the Board led by chairman Luke Mnkandla. Critics accuse Mnkandla and his allies of abandoning the constitutional role of the Board and turning an advisory body into a parallel executive authority, effectively reducing the elected Executive Committee into powerless spectators.
According to the Highlanders constitution, the Board exists to safeguard the club and its traditions. It is not mandated to run the day-to-day affairs of the institution. That responsibility belongs to the Executive Committee elected by members. Yet events unfolding at Bosso suggest that constitutional order has been turned upside down.
The controversy surrounding the Botswana trip has become the elephant in the room.
CEO Denzel Mankandla stands accused within the club of failing to account for nearly US$40,000 out of the US$52,000 allocated for the team's off-season 6 day trip to Botswana. Allegations have been made that an agent was used to make bookings and that the figures allegedly charged do not correspond with those of the hotel where the team stayed.
The biggest concern is not merely the allegations themselves, but the apparent lack of urgency to resolve them. No forensic audit, no public explanation, no reimbursement, and no closure. Just a cloud hanging over Highlanders.
When the Executive Committee reportedly demanded invoices and explanations, Denzel Mankandla allegedly failed to comply. A suspension followed which was revoked by the board and Denzel was allowed to continue as if nothing happened. After failing yet again to produce documents and report of Botswana trip, the ExCo issued another suspension letter a few days ago, reports say Board chairman Luke Mnkandla quickly convened a joint Board and Executive Committee meeting.
The obvious question is why, why should the Board interfere in disciplinary matters involving an employee when the constitution clearly places operations under the Executive Committee? Why is the Board allegedly fighting harder to protect the CEO than to protect the reputation of Highlanders Football Club?
Sources within the club claim Luke Mnkandla, aided by fellow board members Cosmas Skhosana, Elkana Dube, together with Botswana-based lawyer Nkululeko Fuzwayo, opposed efforts to discipline the CEO. Fuzwayo himself remains controversial, with questions being raised over reports that his appointment was never ratified by members at an Annual General Meeting as required by the constitution. Board member Peter Dube reportedly walked out of the meeting, while newly appointed Horace Ndubiwa remained silent.
The silence itself speaks volumes. Equally troubling are reports that Cosmas Skhosana and Elkana Dube received US$700 allowances each during the Botswana trip. Critics are asking whether those who benefited from the trip can objectively preside over issues arising from the same journey. These are questions demanding answers, not insults.
Coming to player salaries, reports indicate that Sakunda Holdings committed US$41,000 per month towards salaries and has consistently fulfilled its obligations. Yet CEO Denzel Mankandla allegedly signed contracts worth over US$75,000 a month, creating a monthly deficit of approximately US$34,000 since the beginning of the new season. Players have gone on strike for unpaid winnings bonuses several times in the first half of the season. Only one winning bonus has been paid to the players to fulfil Sunday's fixture. The morale amongst the players has plummeted.
And once again supporters are entitled to ask, if Sakunda committed US$41,000 monthly, why were obligations exceeding US$75,000 entered into? Who approved those commitments? Who benefits? And who must answer?
Meanwhile, businessman Wicknell Chivhayo reportedly pledged US$500,000 towards the upkeep of the club. Yet the money appears not to be flowing as expected. Some insiders believe unresolved questions surrounding the alleged US$40,000 Botswana expenditure could be behind the delay. Perhaps the biggest tragedy is that Highlanders now appears to have two centres of power. On one side stands the Executive Committee and on the other stands the Board. The losers in this power struggle are the players, coaches, and supporters.
Club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, vice-chairman Fiso Siziba and treasurer Nkani Khoza reportedly recommended disciplinary action against the CEO and investigations into player contracts and finances. Yet Kindman Ndlovu and Morgen Dube allegedly refused, exposing deep divisions within the Executive Committee itself. One insider reportedly described Mhlophe, Siziba and Khoza as three men trying to work under impossible conditions.
The Board, critics say, has effectively paralysed the Executive Committee, Executives cannot act, Executives cannot discipline, Executives cannot account, Executives cannot govern. That is not administration, that is hostage-taking.
On the football side, coach Benjani Mwaruwari has somehow managed to produce attractive football despite operating with limited resources and a small squad. Supporters have compared Bosso's style of play to the entertaining sides of 2006 and before. Despite his effort, coach has not received the support he requested and there are allegations that CEO and some powerful figures in the Executive preferred the return of Senong, Denzel's friend after his earlier departure due to work permit complications. If true, then personalities have been prioritised over the club.
The unavoidable question is this, what exactly is so valuable at Highlanders that some individuals in the board having been there for over 3 decades simply cannot let go? They bring nothing and having never done anything for the club but won't throw in the towel having achieved nothing but brought anarchy, division, and confusion at the club.
For years Luke Mnkandla has remained one of the most influential figures at Bosso. Supporters are increasingly asking why, power without accountability is dangerous.
Power without transparency is destructive.
Power without constitutional limits becomes dictatorship.
There are also questions regarding consistency. Former CEO Brian Moyo was removed and later convicted over a US$2,000 fraud case involving player deals.
Yet critics point to similar allegations involving a finance department employee accused of the same charge like Brian of overcharging the club by US$500 on the same player but Board chairman who ordered Brian's arrest hasn't acted on this. What about claims and evidence involving ghost players and unexplained overpayments exceeding US$30,000 which were presented at the last AGM, up to now no action has been taken by Mnkandla and his board?
Why does justice appear selective? Why are some punished while others appear untouchable? Meanwhile, the spectacle of Executive Committee members taking each other to court has exposed the depth of the dysfunction. What kind of Board permits servants of the same institution to sue one another while serving in the same committee yet the club is burning? Where are the principles? Where is the professionalism? Where is the leadership?
As Highlanders celebrates 100 years, Luke Mnkandla also chairs the centenary committee which is proof the man loves power. While Bosso marks a century of existence, supporters fear they are witnessing the slow destruction of the institution they inherited from previous generations.
Wicknell Chivhayo, a Bosso supporter who previously came to the club's rescue, reportedly extended financial support, and even provided personal vehicles and cash to Club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe, Board Chairman Luke Mnkandla and CEO Denzel Mankandla.
Ironically, one of the beneficiaries is the same Luke Mnkandla who reportedly opposed the Chivhayo arrangement. After getting the cash and brand new car, he supports Chivhayo sponsorship.
Supporters expected better, instead, they see confusion, instead, they see division,
instead, they see stagnation. Enough is enough. Bosso belongs to its members, not to a Board. The constitution is not a suggestion, it is the law governing the club. Since the Board has indeed usurped executive authority, then members have every right to reclaim it.
The calls for an emergency Extraordinary General Meeting are growing louder, rightfully so and so too are demands for an independent forensic audit into the Botswana trip. US$40,000 does not simply vanish and we know money leaves a trail. If Denzel Mankandla is innocent, then clear his name. If wrongdoing occurred, then let the law take its course, no sacred cows, no board protection and no double standards.
Highlanders Football Club is not a family business and is not a private company. It is a 100-year trust founded in 1926 and sustained by generations of ordinary supporters. Those supporters are not asking for miracles, they are asking for accountability, they are asking for transparency, and they are asking for leadership.
Above all, they are demanding that Bosso be given back to the people. And history will judge harshly those who stood by while one of Africa's great institutions was brought to its knees from within. Many Bosso faithful believe the club is crying out for new leadership and insist that unless accountability, transparency and constitutional order are restored, the greatest casualty will not be individuals in the boardroom, but Highlanders Football Club itself.
The Board is now a liability to the club and detrimental to its development. It's time up for that law unto themselves cabal, Bosso Board Should Go and Go now to save Highlanders. Bosso is our pride, it is our identity and represents who we are as people of Matabeleland
--------------------Dalubuhle writes this as his personal opinion and can be contacted on dalu_khabo@gmail.com
Source - Dalubuhle Mnkandla
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