Highlanders’ former players have reportedly approached former manager Jerry Sibanda not to put his name up for nomination for the post of secretary, to make way for another ex-manager Emmet Ndlovu in the impending elections.
Impeccable sources last week told NewsDay Sport former players said if the two ran for the same post, they would split votes against incumbent secretary Andrew Tapela, who has since confirmed seeking another term at the Bulawayo football giants.
Instead, according to sources, former players have agreed with Sibanda to run for the post of treasurer against Odiel Nkomo, whose term runs until the end of next year.
“The former players have agreed in principle and they approached Sibanda, who has also acceded. They are saying if Jerry (Sibanda) and Emmet (Ndlovu) participate in the elections next year, they will split votes and the incumbent will retain his post. So, Jerry has actually agreed he will be patient and wait to challenge Odiel, if he would be seeking another term,” the source said.
Efforts to get a comment from the ex-players’ association secretary Netsai Moyo were fruitless yesterday, but another former player Zenzo Moyo previously urged ex-players to take up posts at the club.
The incumbent executive committee seems to have bowed to pressure by former players evidenced by the technical appointments made recently.
Chairman Themba Ndlela recently announced former players Kelvin Kaindu, veteran defender-turned-midfielder Bekithemba “Super” Ndlovu, and retired midfielder Amin Soma-Phiri, will make up the technical team.
Kaindu will be the head coach while Ndlovu will assist him. Soma-Phiri will be the manager. Ndlela said the three had agreed to two-year contracts and their salaries will be taken care of by sponsors BancABC.
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But many have questioned the wisdom of making appointments just ahead of the elections which are on a week after next year’s annual general meeting.
Ndlela, Tapela and committee member Wisdom Mabhena have since confirmed seeking second terms in next year’s elections.
Bulawayo businessman Mandla Moyo, who lost to Ndlela by 20 votes in the last elections, is challenging the incumbent once more for the post of chairman.
Mabhena will have to shrug off challenge from the late chairman James Mangwana-Tshuma’s son, Jabulani and former club marshal Dingani Sibanda, who have also shown interest in the committee member’s post.
