Johnson Progress

Bulawayo football giants Highlanders FC have been dragged before FIFA’s disciplinary body for the second time in recent years, facing fresh allegations of contract breaches from a former foreign coach.

The club is accused of withholding prize money and unpaid medical bills by ex-head coach Pieter de Jongh, reopening a problematic chapter in the club’s administration.

The dispute, now formally lodged on the FIFA Legal Portal, centres on a contractual clause the Dutch coach insists is unambiguous.

De Jongh, speaking from Kenya, confirmed his lawyer has initiated proceedings against Bosso, demanding five percent of the club’s share of prize money from both the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League and the Chibuku Super Cup.

“It is clear in my contract that I must get 5 percent of whatever comes as the club’s share,” De Jongh stated emphatically.

“Whether we win a tournament or get knocked out in the first round, that 5 percent is mine. That is what I signed.”

He alleges that after sending written demands for payment, the club attempted to place him under its internal 60-40 policy, where players collectively share 40% of prize money and the club retains 60%.

De Jongh flatly rejected this, arguing his personal contract supersedes internal policy.

“They are now saying there is a club policy. That policy is not what I signed. My contract is clear,” he said.

The financial rift extends beyond prize money.

De Jongh is also claiming payment for medical bills incurred in late December while still officially under contract with Highlanders.

“My contract ran until 31 December. I fell ill on 20 and 22 December and went to see a doctor. Highlanders must pay that bill,” he asserted.

The case has been handed to lawyer Elvis Wanyami, who has previously represented De Jongh in disputes in Botswana and Malawi.

De Jongh issued a warning last week that failure to settle would trigger FIFA action, a threat now realised with the case active on the global body’s platform.

This latest controversy casts a harsh light on Highlanders’ troubled history with foreign coaches.

In 2023, a similar dispute with former coach Baltemar Brito resulted in a FIFA-imposed transfer ban, which was only lifted after a US$26,000 settlement funded by businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

The De Jongh affair now poses an identical threat.

A ruling against Highlanders by FIFA could see the club face severe sanctions, including another transfer ban.

This would critically hamper squad rebuilding efforts at a time when the team is already under competitive pressure.

The club’s chief executive officer, Denzel Mnkandla, could not be reached for comment by the time of publication.

As the case proceeds through FIFA’s corridors, it underscores persistent governance challenges for one of Zimbabwe’s most storied clubs, with financial and reputational stakes once again hanging in the balance.