News / National
'Highlanders has lost its culture'
5 hrs ago | Views
Retired Colonel Thomas Ngwenya, a former Highlanders Football Club board member, has expressed concern over what he describes as the gradual erosion of the club's longstanding traditions and identity.
Ngwenya, who served the club in various capacities during his time, lamented that Highlanders no longer upholds key cultural practices that once defined its stature and sense of pride.
"The culture of the club has been lost," said Ngwenya in a strongly worded statement. "For instance, what I know is that you take care of the situation, guard the stadium all night before the match, and if you are playing at home, you are the first to go onto the field — not the enemy."
He was referring to the historical practice of club members and supporters guarding Barbourfields Stadium on the eve of home matches — a symbolic and practical gesture meant to instill unity, pride, and territorial dominance.
Ngwenya's remarks come at a time when the club is facing growing pressure from fans to improve its performance and return to its former glory. Many supporters have voiced similar sentiments, accusing the current leadership of drifting away from the values and rituals that once made Highlanders a feared and respected force in Zimbabwean football.
His comments have sparked fresh debate on the need to preserve football heritage and restore the ethos of community-led football, especially in clubs with deep historical and cultural roots like Highlanders.
Club officials have yet to respond to Ngwenya's remarks.
Ngwenya, who served the club in various capacities during his time, lamented that Highlanders no longer upholds key cultural practices that once defined its stature and sense of pride.
"The culture of the club has been lost," said Ngwenya in a strongly worded statement. "For instance, what I know is that you take care of the situation, guard the stadium all night before the match, and if you are playing at home, you are the first to go onto the field — not the enemy."
Ngwenya's remarks come at a time when the club is facing growing pressure from fans to improve its performance and return to its former glory. Many supporters have voiced similar sentiments, accusing the current leadership of drifting away from the values and rituals that once made Highlanders a feared and respected force in Zimbabwean football.
His comments have sparked fresh debate on the need to preserve football heritage and restore the ethos of community-led football, especially in clubs with deep historical and cultural roots like Highlanders.
Club officials have yet to respond to Ngwenya's remarks.
Source - The Chronicle
