Bosso to beef up squad

Highlanders Football Club, one of Zimbabwe's most iconic teams, has set its sights on reclaiming the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title after an 18-year drought. Club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe confirmed that the coaching staff has submitted their targets for the 2025 season, signaling a renewed commitment to restoring the club's winning legacy.

Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, Mhlophe expressed concern over Highlanders' prolonged absence from championship podiums, noting that the executive and board are fully committed to ending this challenging chapter. The club last won the league title in 2006 and has since faced near misses while rival teams such as Gunners, Monomotapa, FC Platinum, Chicken Inn, Caps United, Dynamos, Ngezi Platinum, and Simba Bhora have claimed the championship.

"We are as worried as the fans. As members of the executive and board, we are supporters too. It has been a tough 18 years, but we are determined to change that. We are working tirelessly to ensure Highlanders return to being a championship-winning side," Mhlophe said.

The technical team, led by Kelvin Kaindu, has proposed a list of players to strengthen the squad while adhering to the club's playing philosophy. Mhlophe emphasized that financial constraints remain a challenge, but he called on fans and sponsors to contribute to the club's efforts to build a competitive team.

"We are engaging sponsors and encourage fans to help where they can. Confidentiality is key at this stage, so we cannot disclose names, but we respect all clubs we may approach for players," he said.

Highlanders showed significant improvement in their attacking play during the 2024 season, scoring 40 goals - the third-best tally in the league - behind Ngezi Platinum and FC Platinum. The team also produced the league's Golden Boot winner, a testament to their offensive progress under the guidance of coaches Kaindu, Try Ncube, and Agent Sawu.

However, defensive lapses remain a major concern. Highlanders, once known for their rock-solid backline, had the 11th-best defense in 2024. Mhlophe acknowledged the need to address defensive frailties, particularly with veteran players Ariel Sibanda and Peter Muduhwa potentially departing. Muduhwa is rumored to be heading to Scotland, while Sibanda's future remains uncertain.

"Our defense must improve. We need at least three central defenders to compete with or complement Arthur Ndlovu, who is emerging as a key player. Every position requires depth, with at least two players vying for each role," Mhlophe added.

The chairman also lamented the lack of depth on the bench, which has often left the team vulnerable. He drew comparisons to Highlanders' golden era, when substitutes like Thabani Moyo, Wayne Albertyn, and Peter Ndlovu could change games.

Despite the challenges, Mhlophe commended the fans for their unwavering support and good behavior throughout the season. He highlighted their conduct at Barbourfields Stadium as exemplary, even in the face of contentious refereeing decisions.

However, he expressed disappointment over the crowd trouble during the Chibuku Super Cup quarterfinal against Simba Bhora at Shamva's Wadzanayi Stadium, where a controversial penalty call led to chaos. Highlanders and Simba Bhora were fined, and the match officials involved were subsequently suspended.

As the 2025 season approaches, Highlanders fans remain hopeful that the club can reclaim its place at the top, driven by the executive's determination and the coaches' vision. The road ahead will require collaboration, investment, and a focus on building a formidable squad capable of ending the club's championship drought.