Gift Banda urges Highlanders stakeholders to unite behind five-year plan

Gift Banda has called for a stakeholders’ meeting to address divisions at Highlanders and create a clear five-year plan for the Bulawayo club. Highlanders are seventh in the 2026 Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League with 37 points from 25 matches, including eight wins, 13 draws and four defeats.

The former Zimbabwe Football Association vice-president said Highlanders needed to move away from internal disputes and focus on rebuilding the institution. He argued that discussions should not centre on past disagreements or assigning blame, but should produce practical short-term steps and a longer-term direction.

Banda said the club had experienced administrators who could help shape its recovery, but that their knowledge was not being brought together effectively. He identified the absence of a defined plan for the next five years as one of Highlanders’ main weaknesses.

Highlanders’ recent league record includes a 1-0 defeat at Kariba, a 1-0 home win over Scotland Mabvuku, 1-1 draws against Platinum FC and Simba Bhora, and a 2-1 victory away to MWOS. Their season record has left them with 23 goals scored and 19 conceded, while their next league match is at home to Chicken Inn on 19 August 2026.

Banda also urged Highlanders to improve its links with the business community. He said match days could be used to bring potential commercial partners closer to the club, with stronger performances and more goals helping demonstrate where outside support could make a difference.

He said disagreements within the Highlanders family were discouraging supporters and other stakeholders from attending matches or becoming involved. Banda also expressed concern that the divisions could obscure the work of coach Benjani Mwaruwaru and his technical team, whom he credited for competing well despite the club’s wider problems. He called for Mwaruwaru to receive greater backing as Highlanders seek a more stable future.