BUSINESSMAN Kenneth Mhlophe is looking to bounce back as Highlanders’ chairperson when the Bulawayo giants hold their elections next year.
The elections will be held in the first week of February next year, just after the club’s annual general meeting (AGM).
The AGM promises fireworks after the club failed to win the league title despite going for 19 matches without a defeat.
They controlled the title race for the better part of the campaign, only to stutter at the end.
They eventually finished the season on position five.
Consequently, coach Baltemar Brito was sacrificed as his contract was not renewed. He has since been replaced by the returning Kelvin Kaindu.
Mhlophe, who was ousted by incumbent Johnfat Sibanda, claims he had heeded a call by the Highlanders family to return and revive the fortunes of the faltering club.
“Today (yesterday), I announce my intention to contest for the position of Highlanders Football Club chairmanship in 2024. Some of you might have heard that I said I won't contest again, indeed I didn't want to come back but the Highlanders family, including members and supporters of this great club approached me and pleaded with me to come back and lead this amazing club once again,” Mhlophe said.
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He added: “I am a good listener and I learnt from my mistakes and now have more experience on how to deal with and manage a huge football club like Highlanders. I'm coming back as Kenneth Mhlophe and will serve the club guided by the Highlanders constitution. I've come to a difficult personal decision as to whether I should contest. We have suffered humiliation in football in recent times and that needs to change very quickly. Highlanders will be back again competing and winning big. We also need to work on the projects which are at a standstill and that will help sustain this great club. We need to do it as a matter of urgency.”
Mhlophe has previously stated his desire to emulate the late former Highlanders chairman, chief executive officer and president Ndumiso Gumede of leaving a legacy at the club.
During his time, Gumede was responsible for acquiring the club offices along Robert Mugabe Way, a house in Luveve suburb and the securing of a 99-year lease for the sports club along Masotsha Ndlovu Avenue in Bulawayo.
Under Mhlophe, Highlanders were granted a licence by the government to mine gold in Inyathi, Bubi District, a project that he feels could solve the club’s financial woes.
The project is currently lying idle.
Next year’s election comes when the club is facing a number of challenges.
Principal sponsor Sakunda Holdings is yet to commit themselves, with indications that the energy giant is not renewing the contract.
Highlanders are also struggling to tie down players whose contracts expire on December 31.
Defensive stalwart Mbongeni Ndlovu has reportedly signed a pre-contract with FC Platinum while Peter Muduhwa, who has a running contract, is linked with a move to perennial rivals Dynamos.
