Zim GBC News | Sports Correspondent
BULAWAYO – Highlanders Football Club management is in urgent talks with authorities in a bid to reclaim its lost gold mining claim in Inyathi, after the special grant for the mine expired due to non-renewal.
The club was awarded the mining claim by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2020 as part of efforts to empower the historic club and boost its revenue streams. However, after receiving the special grant in 2022, the club failed to renew it after the initial two-year cycle, leading to its expiration and the subsequent takeover of the site by another applicant.
Highlanders Chairman Kenneth Mhlophe confirmed the development, stating that the club had taken initial steps to develop the project.
“In 2023, the club went further to carry out surveying and geological activities and produced a bankable geological report, leading to us being able to find a partner who availed themselves but they were deemed unfit to operate by the leadership,” Mhlophe said.
He added,
“Regrettably, the club has since been advised that the special grant lapsed, resulting in the loss of the claim. Management continues to engage the relevant authorities in pursuit of a possible reinstatement.”
The mining venture was initially seen as a potential financial lifeline for the club, which has historically struggled with funding. Despite this setback, the club continues to derive steady income from its clubhouse.
“The partnership continues to serve members and patrons alike. The consultant is fulfilling his obligations in this next phase of the contract, having started honouring them in September 2025,” Mhlophe said regarding the clubhouse revenue stream.
The loss of the mine represents a significant missed opportunity for Bosso, which had set up a dedicated mining committee and registered a mining company to oversee the project.
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