FANS OUTRAGED OVER SUB-STANDARD HIGHLANDERS KIT

Highlanders’ 2025 season kits have ignited a storm of criticism among fans, following the leak of sub-standard designs that many believe fall short of the club’s proud legacy, Zimpapers Sports Hub can reveal.

What began as hopeful anticipation within the Bosso family has quickly turned into widespread frustration. Scores of supporters have voiced disappointment over the newly leaked designs of the home, away, and neutral kits, with some harshly criticising the quality and symbolism.

Key concerns include the questionable design quality, the misplacement of key emblems such as the club’s founding year, and the incorrect positioning of the traditional assegai (short stabbing spear) and knobkerrie. Notably, the assegai, which should appear on the right side of the club’s logo, is shown on the left in some instances, and vice versa.

Contacted for comment, Bosso’s communications, media and marketing officer, Nozibelo Maphosa, remained tight-lipped and referred all enquiries to acting chief executive officer Kindman Ndlovu.

“We are only seeing that purported Highlanders’ new kit on social media. We have not unveiled anything on our official communication channels. Highlanders have not released their kit for the 2025 season, it is still a work in progress. We are working on it with our new technical partner based in South Africa. Once everything is finalised, we will make an official announcement,” said Ndlovu.

According to reliable sources within the club, the kit deal was spearheaded by former CEO Brian Moyo, who is said to have overseen the design process and payments made to the technical partner.

It is reported that between US$20 000 and US$27 000 was paid before the error riddled kit was returned to the supplier for corrections.

In the meantime, Highlanders will continue wearing their 2024 kits as they gear up for a major clash against perennial rivals FC Platinum at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.

Kaindu’s men head into the fixture on a high, following a morale boosting 2-0 away win over Yadah.

Billed as one of the marquee fixtures of the weekend, the game features two of Zimbabwe’s most stylish sides, both known for their fluid, possession based football. With both teams seeking consistency, fans can expect a tactical, high intensity encounter.

Highlanders will be hoping to finally end their winless streak against FC Platinum, who have historically dominated this fixture.

The Zvishavane based side has won 11 of the 23 league encounters between the two, with Bosso managing just six victories. Last season, FC Platinum did the double, winning 2-0 at Mandava and 1-0 at Barbourfields.

“The goals came at the right time, and so did the win. We had been struggling to collect maximum points on the road, but we managed to do that against Yadah,” said Bosso coach Kelvin Kaindu.

“If you compare with last season, we failed to get points against Yadah and Bikita Minerals. This season we’ve done that, which shows improvement.”

Bosso will be without captain and veteran goalkeeper Ariel “Mangoye” Sibanda, who is sidelined with a minor injury.

“He has not been training and won’t be available for Sunday,” Kaindu confirmed.

Reward Muza or Raphael Pitisi is expected to step in between the sticks, while Andrew “Tower” Mbeba will captain the side.

To reflect the significance of the clash, Highlanders have increased gate charges: US$5 for the rest of the ground, US$10 for VIP, and US$20 for VVIP, a clear sign of the occasion’s magnitude and expected turnout at Emagumeni. *_-Sunday News_*