The Sunday News
Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS’ long time benefactor Tshinga Dube has said events that occurred at the club leading to a three-week industrial action by players have greatly undermined the institution’s image at a time its followers are looking forward to win the league, which has eluded them for over a decade.
Dube did not have kind words for both the players and executive stating that the shambolic pre-season preparations have all but shamed the club, which since time immemorial was being admired for its administrative qualities and disciplined players.
“I understand that they have agreed terms with a certain sponsor…but surely the developments were quite saddening to say the least and I wonder why the players were behaving as mercenaries. Of course we are aware that they have families to fend for including taking care of various obligations but they should know that their actions are a disgrace to a big institution like Highlanders and it makes other teams undermine the club at a time we were now focusing of winning the league,” he said.
Dube also took a swipe at the executive for its failure to adequately prepare for the forthcoming season on time.
“In my view the management was somehow inept because they should have worked tirelessly to seek sponsors prior to the end of the season. I really don’t know what was holding them back. Maybe they were depending on the continuation of the NetOne deal, no one knows. In future they should come up with contingent measures and we avoid washing our dirty linen in public,” he said.
Dube said the club’s executive should explore various avenues to seek funding.
“Of course we have heard Dynamos got huge sponsorship and we have teams that are being sponsored by mines and others such as Chicken Inn also with sound sponsorship. Highlanders should also work on finding other sponsors as well so as to improve their coffers,” he said.
Bosso players ended their strike on Thursday and face Castle Lager Premier League returnees Hwange in friendly matches at the Colliery Stadium today.
Meanwhile, Highlanders will field two strong teams in friendly matches against Hwange at Colliery Stadium this afternoon as they continue with their preparations for the start of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season at the end of this month.
