Highlanders forced to postpone training resumption to next week
As other clubs reset and recharge for the homestretch of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League during the FIFA international break, Highlanders are in turmoil, having been forced to postpone the resumption of training to next Tuesday after players downed tools demanding their outstanding salaries and signing-on fees.
Sources close to the club told Fanzone that the squad refused to train yesterday, demanding settlement of four months’ outstanding salaries and signing-on fees.
The raging salary dispute threatens to further derail Bosso in a season where coach Benjani Mwaruwari has worked tooth and nail to keep the team in shape.
“Yes, the boys refused to train yesterday and were told that training will resume next week Tuesday,” said a source who preferred to remain anonymous.
When contacted for comment, Highlanders chairman Kindman Ndlovu referred all questions to the club’s Chief Executive Officer.
“The CEO is back. Get in touch with him as the immediate authority over the players and technical team,” Ndlovu said.
Efforts to get a comment from CEO Denzil Mnkandla were unsuccessful at the time of publication as he was not reachable.
The latest episode comes after club benefactor Wicknell Chivayo threatened to withdraw his financial support for Highlanders without notice if he is not satisfied with how the club uses his money.
Chivayo, who has emerged as a major private financier of Zimbabwean football, said his assistance to Highlanders must be matched by proper governance, accountability and results.
On the field, Highlanders head into the final stretch of the season sitting seventh on the log with 42 points from 29 matches.
They have registered nine wins, 15 draws and five defeats. With five games remaining before the season ends, Highlanders are eight points off the top four and 19 points behind log leaders Scottland FC.
Bosso are scheduled to resume training next Tuesday to begin preparations for their Matchday 30 clash against Ngezi Platinum Stars.
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