By Staff Reporter
Bulawayo – In a historic display of solidarity, Highlanders Football Club supporters raised a significant US$7,000 during a groundbreaking boycott of their own team’s 2-0 victory over ZPC Kariba in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League on Sunday.
The unprecedented action was a protest against perceived unfair treatment by local football authorities, particularly following a controversial incident in the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final against Simba Bhora.
During the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-final encounter Simba Bhora was awarded a controversial penalty 76 minutes into the match in which defender Peter Muduhwa was adjudged to have committed a foul against Tinashe Balakasi.
Replay however, showed the incident happened outside the box.
The match was later abandoned after Highlanders goalkeeper and skipper Ariel Sibanda refused to take his position between the sticks to allow the spot kick to be taken.
Following abandonment of the match, PSL ruled out the Bulawayo giants as losers and both were later fined US$6,000 each for fan violence that ensued during the match.
Bosso claimed that result was a rigged outcome of corruption and favouritism in the tournament lamenting they were “unfairly treated and charged.”
The Sunday boycott, which was the culmination of a week-long campaign, saw Barbourfields Stadium, normally filled with passionate supporters, nearly empty.
Instead, fans gathered at the club’s clubhouse for a fundraising gala to support Zimbabwe’s oldest football club.
In a statement released on Monday, Highlanders expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support from their fans.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude.
“The fundraising event held at Highlanders clubhouse on October 7th, 2024, was a resounding success, thanks to the generosity of our amazing fans.
“We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to each and everyone of you who contributed,” read parts of the statement.
On the field, Highlanders secured a comfortable 2-0 win over ZPC Kariba, with goals from Lynoth Chikuhwa and Mckinnon Mushore.
Highlanders head coach Kelvin Kaindu, praised his team’s performance and highlighted their improved attacking form.
“We kept a clean sheet. Obviously, we have improved in goal-scoring.
“Maybe we should be closer to the top in terms of goals, but going forward, we seem to have improved and look more offensive.
“If we score two and keep a clean sheet, it’s a plus for us,” said Kaindu.