HIGHLANDERS FC marked a major milestone in their centenary celebrations on Sunday with the launch of an alcoholic beverage brand in partnership with Comrades Beverages at a colourful event held at Kings Kraal in Bulawayo.Founded in 1926, the Bulawayo football giants are celebrating 100 years of existence this year.
As part of the celebrations, the club unveiled the Highlanders African Gin, which will be distributed in shops and liquor outlets across Zimbabwe. About 100 people attended the launch, including deputy minister of Industry and Commerce Raj Modi, club legends Madinda Ndlovu and Tobias Mudyambanje, as well as club officials and supporters.
Modi, who was the guest of honour, pledged to buy five boxes of the liquor and praised Highlanders for their contribution to Bulawayo and the country.
He said the club is deeply rooted in the history, culture, and identity of Bulawayo and the country at large. Reaching 100 years, Modi said, is a remarkable achievement.
“It reflects on sacrifice, discipline, resilience, and unity. Highlanders have grown from just being a football club; it is a symbol of pride, hope, and belonging for millions of people across Zimbabwe and beyond,” he said.
The deputy minister also highlighted the economic importance of football in Bulawayo, drawing laughter from the audience when he spoke about the city becoming vibrant whenever Bosso performs well.
“Football talent plays an important role in the socio-economic life of the city. We all know that when Bosso is performing, Bulawayo comes alive; hotels become busy, restaurants fill up, vendors sell, and transport people benefit,” he said.
“Globally, the sports economy has become an important driver of growth, and Zimbabwe is no exception. Government recognises the potential of sport in creating employment, promoting tourism, supporting local industries and empowering young people.”
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Highlanders chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla said the launch was part of efforts to strengthen the club’s commercial partnerships during its centenary celebrations.
He said the team has grown beyond being just a football club, and it has become a national institution, a symbol of pride that has united generations of Zimbabweans across tribes, races, languages, and backgrounds.
“As we celebrate this centenary year, we reflect on a remarkable journey filled with triumphs, challenges, unforgettable victories, legendary players like Madinda, and unwavering support from the Bosso faithful. Few institutions in Zimbabwean sport can speak of a legacy as deep and impactful as that of Highlanders Football Club,” Mnkandla said.
He added that football clubs need strong commercial partnerships to remain sustainable.
“The launch represents the coming together of heritage, business, culture, and sport. It demonstrates the growing importance of strategic partnerships in modern football and in economic development,” Mnkandla said, adding that football is no longer sustained by passion alone.
“Strong partnerships are essential to enable clubs to compete, innovate, and remain relevant.”
Comrades Beverages founder Langa Moyo said the Highlanders African Gin was inspired by the club’s resilience over the years.
“We chose to infuse the gin with a plant called the resurrection plant. And so it's a very interesting plant… it reflects a lot of spiritualism. It reflects on a very resistant plant known to anchor all elements. And we are not only going to be launching gin, but we're also going to be launching Vodka.”
Highlanders have lined up several activities to mark the club’s centenary celebrations this year.
