Highlanders aye famous actor for Ambassadorial role

Highlanders FC is looking to reconnect with some of its former stars, with chief executive officer Brian Moyo confirming that former winger Andrew Shue is among those the club hopes to bring on board as ambassadors. Shue, who starred for Highlanders during their historic 1990 season, remains a beloved figure among fans and the club.

"He was an exceptional player for us. One of the best, and he gave great value on the field and off, even after retiring. Whenever he gets the chance, we have seen photos of him in his beloved Highlanders' colours, a true ambassador," said Moyo.

The club plans to leverage the influence of its former players to grow the Bosso brand. "He is among the players we intend inviting to come on board as ambassadors. We want to grow the Bosso brand and tap into the commercial value we could extract through the images of some of these former players who are all over the world," Moyo added.
Reflecting on the Magic of 1990

Shue was recently featured in a video that went viral, where he reminisced about the 1990 season—a landmark year in which Highlanders achieved their first league and cup double. Reflecting on his time at the club, Shue spoke candidly about the team's use of "muti," a traditional practice often linked to spiritual preparation in African football.

"I will never forget going to camp during the weekend before games. We had to stay in camp so that we wouldn't be out there partying and drinking. There was this old man who would come to camp with a little package. Within that package was this special ‘muti.' We would drink it as tea, put it in the bathtub, and rub it on ourselves. People thought that was crazy, but we won a double that year, so it was special magic," Shue recounted.

Shue's reflections highlight how traditional rituals, deeply rooted in African cultural identity, have been intertwined with football to provide psychological motivation and spiritual strength. However, he also noted that these practices were a challenging aspect of his experience, referring to them as one of the lows of his stay.
From Bosso to Hollywood

Shue, then a 23-year-old Maths teacher attached to Founders High School, played alongside Highlanders legends such as Peter and Adam Ndlovu, Rahman Gumbo, and Mercedes Sibanda. He fondly recalled the warm reception from fans and the camaraderie within the team.

"I will never forget that year. I was treated so well by the players and the fans. When I went to Barbourfields, people would whistle, and that made me feel at home," Shue said.

After the triumphant 1990 season, Shue returned to the United States, where he transitioned into acting. He starred as Billy Campbell in the hit television series Melrose Place and made an uncredited appearance in The Karate Kid. Reflecting on his time at Highlanders, he said, "I had a lot of confidence after playing for Highlanders, and that year I decided to try acting."
Balancing Tradition and Progress

The intersection of cultural traditions and modern sports science in African football remains a topic of debate. While practices like "muti" can enhance team spirit and mental resilience, they must be managed carefully to avoid alienating players or creating undue pressure.

Shue's impact on Highlanders has left a lasting legacy, and his potential involvement as an ambassador signals the club's intent to honor its past while forging a bright future. Other American players, such as Geoff Wheeler, Dereck Odwod, and Kirk Fredricks, have also followed in Shue's footsteps, contributing to Highlanders' rich history.

As Highlanders continues to build its legacy, reconnecting with iconic figures like Shue could strengthen its identity as a club that values its history while embracing opportunities for growth.