Highlanders Football Club’s survival and success over the past 100 years has been driven by the unwavering support and trust of the people of Bulawayo, a senior club official has said.
Speaking during the Bulawayo Day celebrations on Monday, Highlanders board member Elkanah Dube said the club’s centenary milestone was a testament to the strong bond that has existed between Bosso and the city’s residents since its formation in 1926.
Dube said Highlanders was founded by the grandsons of King Lobengula, Albert and Rhodes Khumalo, together with other community members in Makokoba, laying the foundation for what would become one of Zimbabwe’s most successful football institutions.
“2026 is a very significant year for us because our club is clocking 100 years,” said Dube.
“The club has reached this milestone because of the massive support and trust that people have continued to place in the team from its early beginnings up to today.”
He said the club had endured many challenges throughout its history, including relegation and difficult periods on and off the field, but remained strong because it was deeply rooted within the community.
“Over the years we have survived difficult situations. We have won championships and cups, and at some point we were relegated and tested, but we are still alive and kicking simply because the team belongs to the people,” he said.
Dube said the club’s participation in the Bulawayo Day celebrations reflected the close relationship between Highlanders and the city, whose history has been intertwined with that of the football club for generations.
He noted that while Bulawayo was celebrating 132 years since attaining town status, Highlanders was marking 100 years of existence, making the two institutions long-standing partners in the city’s development and identity.
“The city is 32 years older than Highlanders, but we have grown together. We see ourselves as part of the Bulawayo community and it is important for us to be here today because Bulawayo and Highlanders are one,” he said.
Dube added that whenever Highlanders plays anywhere in Zimbabwe, the club carries the city’s name and reputation with it.
“Whenever Highlanders walks onto any football pitch in Zimbabwe, it is Bulawayo that we carry on our backs. We want to continue growing this partnership so that both the city and the club remain strong for another hundred years and beyond.”
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