News / National
Bosso's new kits draw sharp criticism
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A wave of disappointment has hit Highlanders Football Club after images of their soon-to-be-released replica kits leaked online, drawing sharp criticism from fans over design inconsistencies, poor quality, and a disregard for key club symbols.
Supporters, long clamouring for official replica jerseys, are now expressing outrage after what seemed like a long-awaited gesture by the club turned sour. The leaked designs of the home, away, and neutral kits have been widely condemned on social media and fan forums for being subpar in both craftsmanship and authenticity.
At the centre of the controversy are glaring inaccuracies in the design. Fans have taken issue with the misplacement of the assegai (short stabbing spear) and knobkerrie, which are critical elements of the club's emblem and identity. In some kits, the assegai is shown on the left-hand side of the shield instead of the right - a fundamental error that supporters argue disrespects the legacy and symbolism of the team.
Others have also flagged the incorrect founding year and questioned the fabric quality, describing it as "cheap" and "unfit for a club of Bosso's stature."
"This is unacceptable. We've been asking for replicas for years, and now that the club is finally responding, they give us this? It's a slap in the face," one supporter commented on Facebook.
Another wrote: "Highlanders is not just a football team - it's culture, it's history. Whoever approved this kit clearly doesn't understand that."
The club has yet to issue an official response to the backlash, but pressure is mounting for Highlanders to either recall the flawed batch or delay the launch altogether until the designs are corrected and quality improved.
This latest fumble comes at a time when fan engagement and brand loyalty are more important than ever in Zimbabwean football, with replica sales offering clubs a valuable revenue stream and an opportunity to deepen ties with their support base.
For many Bosso faithful, the current offering is not just a missed opportunity - it's an insult.
Supporters, long clamouring for official replica jerseys, are now expressing outrage after what seemed like a long-awaited gesture by the club turned sour. The leaked designs of the home, away, and neutral kits have been widely condemned on social media and fan forums for being subpar in both craftsmanship and authenticity.
At the centre of the controversy are glaring inaccuracies in the design. Fans have taken issue with the misplacement of the assegai (short stabbing spear) and knobkerrie, which are critical elements of the club's emblem and identity. In some kits, the assegai is shown on the left-hand side of the shield instead of the right - a fundamental error that supporters argue disrespects the legacy and symbolism of the team.
Others have also flagged the incorrect founding year and questioned the fabric quality, describing it as "cheap" and "unfit for a club of Bosso's stature."
Another wrote: "Highlanders is not just a football team - it's culture, it's history. Whoever approved this kit clearly doesn't understand that."
The club has yet to issue an official response to the backlash, but pressure is mounting for Highlanders to either recall the flawed batch or delay the launch altogether until the designs are corrected and quality improved.
This latest fumble comes at a time when fan engagement and brand loyalty are more important than ever in Zimbabwean football, with replica sales offering clubs a valuable revenue stream and an opportunity to deepen ties with their support base.
For many Bosso faithful, the current offering is not just a missed opportunity - it's an insult.
Source - the chronicle
