BOTSWANA-based Gilport Enterprises, who facilitated Highlanders’ 10-day stay at Travel Lodge in Gaborone, are demanding a formal apology from the club over what they describe as unacceptable behaviour by one of its officials.
Highlanders were in Botswana for a pre-season camp.
In a letter written on Tuesday by Gilport general manager Mpho Gilika, the official in question allegedly presented himself as Highlanders’ financial officer and harassed hotel staff, demanding access to Travel Lodge’s internal billing documents.
The correspondence was addressed to Highlanders chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla.
Highlanders treasurer Nkani Khoza, vice-chairman Fiso Siziba, executive members Kindman Ndlovu and Morgen Dube, as well as board members Elkanah Dube and Cosmas Skhosana travelled with the team.
“I am writing to express my profound concern and disappointment regarding an incident that occurred today involving one of your club officials...,” Gilika wrote.
“We have received a formal report from Travel Lodge stating that an individual claiming to be your financial officer demanded the release of all internal billing documents.
“When the front desk staff correctly refused as the booking is held under our agency’s account, this official reportedly used threats of violence to intimidate the staff.
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“This resulted in a distressed employee handing over confidential documents under duress.”
He added: “Such behaviour is entirely unacceptable. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward the harassment of our service partners.
“Please be advised that we are currently reviewing the hotel’s security footage and reserve the right to report this matter to the local authorities to ensure the safety of our hospitality
colleagues.”
Gilika said the Bosso official’s conduct had strained relations between his company and hospitality partners in Botswana.
“As you are aware, our agency has worked diligently to facilitate your pre-season camp, securing preferential rates and managing your 10-day booking despite the team’s late arrival.
“However, the events of this morning have compromised the professional relationship between our organisations and the hospitality partners in our country.
“By attempting to bypass our agency to obtain bills, your official has committed a serious breach of trust. As the contracting party that secured these rates and paid the initial 40% deposit, all financial reconciliation must be conducted directly between your office and our agency.
“We must reiterate that per our agreement and industry standards, the club remains liable for the full 10-day period originally booked.
“The four-day delay caused by your internal administrative issues does not exempt the club from its financial obligations to the hotel, which held the rooms in good faith.”
Gilika signed off his correspondence by demanding a written apology from Highlanders.
“We require an immediate written apology to the staff at Travel Lodge and a guarantee that no further unauthorised attempts will be made to interfere with the hotel’s administrative processes,” he wrote.
“We will be issuing the final invoice for the full 10-day stay, inclusive of our service fees, by the 5th March 2026.
“We value our relationship with your club, but we cannot allow the safety of our partners or the integrity of our contracts to be compromised. We look forward to your swift resolution of this matter.”
Efforts to obtain a comment from Highlanders yesterday were unsuccessful.
The Bulawayo giants open their 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign against returnees Bulawayo Chiefs.
