"FOR now, I will say Highlanders won, (and) not Kenneth Mhlophe.”
These were the celebratory words by the returning Mhlophe after his win over incumbent Johnfat Sibanda in a tightly contested election to secure the Highlanders Football Club executive chairmanship’s post in Bulawayo yesterday.
It was yet again a close race between the two protagonists as Mhlophe, who was ousted in the March 2021 polls by a razor thin margin, garnered 165 votes against Sibanda’s 104 votes.
The businessman will run the club for the next three years.
Nodumo Nyathi came third after polling 87, while Edison Dube was a distant fourth with two votes.
A visibly relieved Mhlophe was emotional after he was declared the winner.
The football administrator said he would call a Press conference today to outline his plans for the next three years.
“Tomorrow when I am in the office, all of you will be there. I will tell you what we are going to do, for now Highlanders has won,” he said.
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Mhlophe urged Bosso members to remain united for the betterment of the club.
“Unity is what I want. I want everyone to be united,” he said.
Outgoing chairman Sibanda was gracious in defeat.
“My departing message to the Highlanders family is that Highlanders is the winner. The good thing about the club elections is that it is Highlanders that must win, not an individual,” he said.
“So, I am available if needed and I am going to support my brother going forward. I wish him all the best.”
Nyathi took to his Facebook page to concede defeat.
“Thank you all for your support. I did not make it. I wish the best to Kenneth Mhlophe, Morgen Gazza Dube and Kindman Ndlovu. Bosso won. #Inspired,” wrote Nyathi on the micro-blogging site.
Dube retained his position for a second term as the club’s executive secretary general after shrugging off competition from Nsikelelo Mafa and Raeburn Ndebele.
Dube polled 173 votes, Mafa came second with 114 votes, while Ndebele was third with 69 votes.
For the executive committee member post, Kindman Ndlovu (230 votes) defeated Bhekumuzi Sibanda (125 votes).
Mgcini Mafu who held the position did not seek re-election.
The trio of Mhlophe, Dube and Ndlovu join executive vice-chairman Fiso Siziba and treasurer Israel Moyo to complete the five-men executive committee.
Their primary task is to return the club to the glory days.
Bosso last won the league title in 2006.
The club turns 100 in 2026, which will be a milestone that supporters want to celebrate by winning some silverware.
Bosso have shown their determination to bring back the glory days by reappointing Zambian Kelvin Kaindu as the new head coach to replace Jose Baltemar Brito.
Try Ncube is the new first assistant coach, while the second assistant will be announced this week following the departure of Joel Luphahla.
The club has retained several key players, including Andrew Mbeba and Peter Muduhwa, who were rumoured to be on their way out.
They have also signed Calvin Chigonero on a permanent move from Talen Vision, while adding Marvin Sibanda, Reason Sibanda, Brian Mlotshwa and Brian Ndlovu.
They promoted Mvelo Khoza from their developmental side and extended contracts for youngsters Gillian Nyathi, Prince Ndlovu and Talent Dube.
Bosso lost Mbongeni Ndlovu and Brighton Manhire to FC Platinum, while also releasing Ray Lunga, Rahman Kutsanzira, Stanley Ngala and Washington Navaya.
