HIGHLANDERS’ coach Pieter De Jongh’s contract at the club ends on December 31, and the Bulawayo giants are said to be eyeing the services of Portuguese national, Nilton Terroso, who had a stint with Bulawayo Chiefs, impeccable sources have said.
De Jongh indicated his willingness to stay at Highlanders after the 1-1 draw against Chicken Inn at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday, avoiding relegation, but sources said the Bulawayo giants will not be renewing his contract.
“There are quite a number of coaches that are interested in the Highlanders job at the moment. De Jongh’s contract will not be extended,” the source said.
“Fine, Highlanders survived relegation, which was his mandate when he was engaged but management is not happy with other issues relating to the coach.
“Terroso’s name has come up, but I am not sure if the club has engaged him.
“He is probably one of the coaches that will be at the club next season, if he is engaged and is willing.”
Terroso is a Uefa Pro Licence holder and sports scientist who worked under Manchester United former manager Ole Solskjaer when he was at Cardiff City in 2014.
The source said Highlanders will soon be advertising for the head coach’s job with former player and coach Joel Luphahla, also linked to the club.
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However, Luphahla, who is said to be on his way out at Simba Bhora, has been linked to FC Platinum and Caps United.
The legendary Norman Mapeza is on his way out at FC Platinum while the Green Machine is also parting ways with Zambian native Ian Bakala.
Mapeza, who is believed to be joining Zifa Central Region Soccer League champions Hardrock, has also been linked to Caps United.
De Jongh rejoined Bosso in August, replacing Zambian gaffer Kelvin Kaiundu.
Kaindu was fired in June following a string of poor results.
“I have done my job, which was to survive relegation. If I stay then we fight next season to get a top six position,” De Jongh said on Sunday.
“I have worked in many countries and when you have done that it’s only normal that you get interest, but I would love to stay at Highlanders and the committee knows that.
“I love the club.
“The committee knows I want to stay and build a team that will be in the top six, maybe top five.
“Highlanders is a big club and my mission was not to have the club go down and I have done that.”
He said Highlanders lacked depth.
“Some of the players are not Highlanders’ quality,” he said.
“I wrote it the first time I came that there is no quality.
“Some of the players lack the Highlanders spirit.
“ I came here with the mission to save the team and I have done it.
“ Remember this is not my team but that of Kelvin Kaindu.
“To play for Highlanders you need the fight and spirit which is not there in this present squad.
“The first week I arrived, I told the executive about the quality of the team.”
De Jongh dumped Highlanders at the end of 2019 to join FC Platinum, accusing the Bulawayo giants of being unprofessional.
Terroso joined Bulawayo Chiefs mid-2021 and left towards the end of 2022, leaving The Ninjas in the semi-final of the Chibuku Super Cup which they eventually won after beating Herentals in the final at Barbourfields Stadium.
