By Ashley Dean Misho | ZimGBC News Reporter
www.zimgbcnew.co.zw
The excitement was real at the official launch of Highlanders Football Club’s 100-year celebration, counting down to 2026.
This isn’t just about looking back at an amazing story; it’s about the club’s exciting plans for its next century.
Bosso, as everyone calls the club, started from very humble beginnings. It was founded in 1926 by Albert and Rhodes Ndlovu, the grandsons of King Lobengula. From there, it grew into a giant of Zimbabwean football and a powerful symbol of pride and unity for people everywhere.
Who is King Lobengula
King Lobengula ( 1835– 1894) was the second and last monarch of the Northern Ndebele people, ruling from 1870 until 1894. The son of founder-king Mzilikazi, he consolidated the kingdom from his capital at Bulawayo, commanding a powerful military known as “the men of the long shields.”
His reign was defined by escalating colonial pressure. In 1888, he was deceived into signing the Rudd Concession, which surrendered mineral rights to Cecil Rhodes’s British South Africa Company (BSAC).
Realizing the betrayal, his appeals to Queen Victoria failed, leading to the First Matebele War in 1893. Despite fierce resistance, Ndebele forces were overwhelmed by BSAC’s superior weaponry, including Maxim guns.
Following defeat, Lobengula burned Bulawayo and fled north. He disappeared near the Zambezi River and is believed to have died in 1894, though his grave remains unknown.
His legacy endures as that of a leader who fought to preserve his kingdom against colonial expansion.
Nicholas Nyathi , the Vice Chairperson of HCF Centenary Celebration stated
“I feel privileged to stand before you today as we embark on this momentous journey to celebrate 100 years of unwavering pride, unrelenting passion, and unparalled excellence”
The speaker reminded us of the club’s incredible victories seven league championships and major cups like the Independence Trophy and Chibuku Super Cup.
This success made Bosso “the heartbeat” of not just Bulawayo, but the whole nation.
That’s why its famous mantra, “Ithimu yezwe lonke” (the nation’s team), fits so perfectly.
Supporters’ clubs are active in countries from South Africa and the UK to the USA and the UAE. The club has also produced legendary players who made Zimbabwe proud, like the famous Ndlovu brothers: Madinda, Adam, and Peter.
To honour this rich legacy of sport, culture, and passion, the club announced its centenary theme: “Beyond Football…Inspiring Generations.”
But what comes next?
The launch was clear that the future is the main focus. As Bosso enters its hundred years, it has big plans:
· To strengthen its role in the community.
· To turn the Bosso Youth Academy into a world-class factory for future national team heroes.
· To modernize its training facilities, offices, and systems to take care of its players.
“the Bosso 100 years will be a national and international spectacle, engaging all football lovers in Zimbabwe and in the diaspora throughout 2026.”
The message was powerful: this celebration is more than a party. It’s the start of a new journey.
The countdown to 2026 has officially begun.
Follow Zim GBC News for more in-depth coverage:
· X (Twitter): @ZimGbc
· Instagram: @ZimGBCNews
· TikTok: @ZimGBCNews_01
· Facebook: Zim GBC News
· YouTube: Zim GBC News
Get real-time alerts on WhatsApp:
+263 773 820 323
For more, visit our website:
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective©2025