Highlanders’ 100-year football story to lead Bulawayo’s comedy roast

Highlanders were founded in 1926 and will have their 100-year football journey revisited through comedy at a special roast. The event is scheduled for August 21 at Bulawayo Large City Hall as part of the club’s year-long centenary programme.

Umahlekisa Comedy Club is organising the show, which will use jokes, football banter and stories to reflect on Highlanders’ successes, difficult periods and memorable moments. The programme is intended to honour the club’s contribution to Zimbabwean football and to communities over the past century.

The panel will include Zimpapers senior reporter Sikhumbuzo Moyo, former Miss Highlanders and veteran modelling instructor Sipho Mazibuko, Sportsgrind’s Buhlebenkosi Ncube and Zimbabwean-Hollywood actor Tendai Humbasha Maduwa. Additional guests are expected to come from the Highlanders supporters who have followed the club across different eras.

The comedy night comes while Highlanders occupy seventh place in the 2026 Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League. Bosso have 37 points from 25 matches, with eight wins, 13 draws and four defeats, and have scored 23 goals while conceding 19. Their last five league games include two wins, two draws and one loss, with the most recent result a 1-0 defeat away to Kariba. They are due to host Chicken Inn on August 19, two days before the roast.

Fans unable to attend in person will be able to watch the event online through a livestream by Zimpapers Digital. Umahlekisa has previously staged roasts for Sandra Ndebele, Novuyo Seagirl and Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart, and has become known for using the format to celebrate public figures and institutions while examining their journeys.