Highlanders’ Season Faces Fresh Test as Salary Crisis Deepens

Highlanders’ push for a strong finish to the season has been overshadowed by a growing financial crisis after players went without salaries for four months.

The latest dispute has already begun to affect preparations, with the squad boycotting training yesterday as frustration over the outstanding payments boiled over.

The timing could hardly be more difficult for the Bulawayo giants, who are chasing Chibuku Super Cup success while also looking to finish the Premier Soccer League campaign strongly.

For coach Benjani Mwaruwari, the challenge now extends beyond tactics and results. He must keep the squad focused at a time when players are dealing with significant financial uncertainty.

Highlanders chairman Kindman Ndlovu acknowledged the extent of the problem, confirming to H-Metro that the club owes the players four months’ salaries.

Ndlovu said the executive was engaging sponsors and donors in an effort to find a solution, while also holding discussions with the players.

“We acknowledge that our players have gone for four months without salaries, and as the executive, we are fully aware of the difficulties this has created,” said Ndlovu.

“We are engaging our donors and sponsors to find a solution to the salary situation.

“We are working flat out to ensure that the outstanding payments are addressed.”

The latest training boycott is not an isolated incident. Highlanders have faced similar disruptions several times this season as players have protested over unpaid wages.

That recurring pattern now raises questions over the club’s ability to maintain stability during a crucial stage of the campaign.

While the leadership insists it is working to resolve the matter, the immediate concern for Highlanders is limiting the impact of the financial dispute on preparations and performances.

With important matches ahead, Bosso will now need both the board and players pulling in the same direction if they are to avoid the salary crisis becoming an even bigger distraction during the season run-in.