The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Sports Editor
HIGHLANDERS Rugby Club have parted ways with their head coach, George “Rollo” Mukorera, a man who has served the club for decades.
Mukorera, a Zimbabwe Rugby Union development officer has served Highlanders for the better part of his life, with his service to the club spanning over 30 years. In a statement recently, Highlanders confirmed that the man popularly known as Rollo in rugby circles was vacating the post of head coach at the club, with both parties in agreement that the relationship was no longer producing the desired results.
“Highlanders Rugby Club can confirm that George ‘Coach Rollo’ Mukorera has left his position of head coach by mutual consent. He leaves the club after around 30 years with the club as a player and then later as a coach, subsequently head coach and as recently as in December 2022, our former coach was celebrated in his community Entumbane for his contribution to the city through rugby.
A new head coach will be appointed in the near future to ensure they have a full pre-season to prepare the squad for the 2023 campaign,’’ read the statement from Highlanders.
Rugby ball
Thulani Tabulawa, the Highlanders Rugby Club chairman stated: “On behalf of the board, staff and supporters of Highlanders Rugby Club, I would like to thank Rollo for the commitment and dignity he has demonstrated during his three to four decades with the club.
“The process of appointing a new head coach is underway, with a focused shortlist to identify the right person to get the best out of our senior squad, but also someone who will continue to embrace our long-term strategy from grassroots to first-team.
“We are encouraged by the progress of our youthful team and new player coming through but we recognise that delivering a competitive team on a consistent basis at first-team level is crucial to underpinning everything at the club.”
Tabulawa indicated that they are looking at improving the team’s display on the field of play that will delight their fans and other concerned parties.
“We are confident of making a prompt appointment following the recruitment process and remain focused on improving performance at first-team level to meet the expectation of our supporters and stakeholders.
“I would like to thank all of our members, supporters and corporate partners for their continued unwavering support,’’ he said.
Highlanders Rugby Club also confirmed that assistant coach Busani Ncube and long-serving Sevens head coach has also left the club.
“The club would like to thank both members of the coaching staff for their service to Highlanders Rugby Club, in particular George ‘Rollo’ Mukorera for his lifetime contribution. New appointments to the coaching staff will be made soon following the appointment of a head coach. The club will make no further comment until that time.”
Highlanders are one of the oldest rugby clubs, not only in Bulawayo but also in Zimbabwe. At some stage, they changed their name to Western Panthers before resorting back to Highlanders.
—Follow on Twitter @Mdawini_29
