Warriors legend Peter Ndlovu is tipped to be the next Highlanders executive chairman if former players and life members have their way.
Highlanders will elect a new chairman during the last Sunday of January 2012 and incumbent Themba Ndlela has not indicated whether he will seek re-election or not.
Two other positions — the secretary-general held by Andrew Tapela and committee member held by Wisdom Mabhena — will also be up for grabs in one of the most contentious football elections in the country.
Former players and life members have put plans in place to forward Ndlovu’s candidature and a formal approach will be made to the former Warriors captain once the mission statement and vision after 2012 have been formulated.
According to sources, former players who are life members at the club are Cosmas “Tsano” Zulu, Douglas Mloyi, Ernest “Maphepha” Sibanda, Willard Mashinkila-Khumalo, Amin Soma-Phiri and Peter’s brother Madinda.
Other sources further claimed Mashinkila-Khumalo would return to the club as head coach and will be assisted by Peter’s brother Adam, who is an assistant coach at Premiership debutants Chicken Inn.
“Some members in the board of directors also want Ndlovu to become the next chairman of the club,” sources said.
Influential board members at Highlanders include businessman Dumisani Sandi, who is chairman, High Court judge Nicholas Mathonsi, medical practitioner Msongelwa Ngwenya and businessman Mgcini Nkolomi.
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Peter (38) was not immediately available for comment yesterday, but his lawyer, Harrison Nkomo, said: “I think it all depends on whether he has been approached or not. Then he can either take up the offer, decline it or put it under consideration.”
Although sources said it was too early to start discussions on the Bosso elections. The team’s recent dismal performance had precipitated speculation and rumour-mongering concerning the elections to be held at the end of January next year and the name of one of Highlanders’ greatest sons has been brought to the fore.
“Rumour doing rounds in the city is that former Highlanders players want Peter Ndlovu to be the next chairman of the club. I understand that through their association (the former players) they will be vigorously campaigning for Peter to be the next chairman. They are saying he has a lot of contacts, local and abroad, and could easily change the fortunes of the club.
“But I understand they are saying in the event that he is elected, he should be surrounded by people who are in the know about football,” the source said.
“What I am not aware of is whether the former players have approached Peter,” another source said.
After the Zifa and Premier Soccer League elections, the Highlanders plebiscite is the most emotional event.
