Highlanders Football Club's worsening financial crisis has taken another dramatic turn after chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla informed the club's leadership that he can no longer report for duty because he has not been paid since March 2026.
In a letter addressed to the club's executive, Mnkandla said he had continued working with "utmost commitment and loyalty" despite the club's financial struggles, but had now reached a point where he could no longer afford to carry out his duties.
“The prolonged absence of remuneration has left me financially incapacitated,” he said.
"I am no longer in a position to meet my basic obligations, including transport to and from work, accommodation, food and other essential living expenses. Consequently, I am unable to continue rendering my services effectively."
He stressed that his decision should not be viewed as a resignation.
"This communication should therefore not be construed as a resignation from my employment or an abandonment of my duties. Rather, it serves as formal notice that, as matters presently stand, I am financially incapacitated from continuing to perform my contractual obligations due to the Club's failure to fulfil its corresponding obligation to remunerate me."
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Mnkandla added that he remains committed to Bosso and would resume his duties once his outstanding salaries are paid or an agreement is reached.
The latest development adds to a series of financial challenges that have rocked the Bulawayo giants throughout the 2026 season. The club has struggled to meet salary obligations for players, members of the technical team and administrative staff despite announcing major sponsorship deals from Wicknell Chivayo before the start of the campaign.
The salary crisis has already affected the playing squad on several occasions. Players repeatedly boycotted training over unpaid salaries and winning bonuses, forcing the cancellation of training sessions and disrupting preparations for important League matches, including the highly anticipated Battle of Zimbabwe against Dynamos.
Head coach Benjani Mwaruwari has also been caught up in the financial turmoil. Since taking charge of Highlanders in January 2026, the former Zimbabwe international reportedly received only one salary payment during his early months at the club, with several contractual benefits, including accommodation, equipment and match bonuses, also remaining outstanding.
The delays stem from the structure of the club's sponsorship arrangements. Instead of funds being paid directly into Highlanders' accounts, payments have reportedly been processed through intermediaries before reaching beneficiaries. Sources close to the club claimed that this payment system experienced breakdowns, causing significant delays in salaries for the coach and other club employees.
The financial strain has also affected morale within the dressing room. During one of the salary disputes, Mwaruwari once used his own money to assist some players with allowances in an effort to keep the squad motivated while waiting for payments.
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