
Lovemore Dube
FORMER Highlanders players held a reception to celebrate the ascendancy to the Highlanders board of their former chairman, Douglas “British” Mloyi.
The celebrations were held at a city sports club where players from generations spanning from the late 1960s gathered.
Mloyi was an outstanding centre-back who played for the club’s first team from 1974 to 1987, winning several pieces of silverware.
He was also capped for his country in the early 1980s, at a time when national team coaches had a headache on who to choose among Ephert Lungu, Sunday Chidzambwa, Charles Sibanda, Majid Dhana, John Phiri, Reg Payne and Misheck Chidzambwa for the central defence roles.
Mloyi was last Sunday confirmed as a club board member, making a first by a former player in decades. His arrival on the Bosso board is expected to enhance the technical understanding of football matters as a majority lack a strong soccer background.
Speaking at the function, Jerry Sibanda who heads the players’ body welcomed the addition of Mloyi to the board.
He expressed confidence that Mloyi would be a good ambassador for the former players.
“On behalf of former players thank you so much for recognising one of us, thank you to the executive, board and supporters (members) who agreed that one of us be a board member. We have to be united to be considered for that,” said Sibanda.
Johannes Tshuma, another former player who was present advised Mloyi to carry himself with dignity up there in the Highlanders board and represent the former players’ constituency with honour.

Douglas Mloyi
In his speech Mloyi said he would always be part of the players’ group.
He expressed gratitude that his promotion had been a result of the former players’ body pushing and promised to push the cause of former players.
“To be where I am it’s you guys, our association is strong. I am going up there, but I will always be part of this group, I came from among you and I hope to fight for your cause on the board,” said Mloyi.
Mloyi urged players to become members of Highlanders by buying club cards as to have a say.
Former Eagles and Black Mambas midfielder Kenneth Thebe who attended the event described Mloyi as having been an invaluable member of Highlanders who exhibited exceptional leadership and dedication to the club.
“This promotion is a testament to his hard work, perseverance and unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Thebe.
He praised Highlanders for recognising and rewarding outstanding individuals.
Among those who were in attendance were Kenneth Dzowa, the younger brother to Highlanders legend Edward “Sales House” Dzowa and St Pauls former striker Paul Tsumbe, Tanny Banda, Gift Lunga (Snr), Wonder Mpofu, Dan Ngwenya, Itai Masawi, Sydney Zimunya, Peter Nkomo, Lindani Kurairwa, Siza Khoza, Themba Ncube, Jabu Sibanda, Sam Sibanda, Mpumelelo Moyo, Carrington Ndebele, Amin Soma-Phiri and Netsayi Moyo.