A FINANCIAL scandal has rocked Highlanders, leading to the suspension of chief executive Brian Moyo over allegations of fraud in a controversial player transfer deal with Bulawayo Chiefs. Moyo was suspended following an emergency joint meeting of the Highlanders board and executive committee on Thursday evening, amid growing concerns over financial mismanagement and possible corruption within the club’s ranks. At the heart of the controversy is an alleged shortfall of US$5 000 in the transfer fees for two players acquired from Bulawayo Chiefs.
While official records within Highlanders reflect a transaction of US$23 000, evidence suggests that only US$18 000 reached Chiefs’ coffers, raising alarm over possible embezzlement. Investigations have uncovered two invoices – one reflecting the full US$23 000 sent to Highlanders’ internal accounts, while another, reduced to US$18 000, was presented to Bulawayo Chiefs. The discrepancy has triggered an internal probe, with Moyo and Bulawayo Chiefs administrator Andrew Mandigora now at the centre of the storm.
Sources privy to the matter allege that Moyo pocketed US$2 000 from the deal, while Mandigora took US$3 000. It remains unclear how the financial trail was manipulated, but the revelations have shaken confidence in the club’s financial oversight. When reached for comment, Mandigora was evasive, referring questions to Highlanders’ leadership before abruptly ending the call.
Meanwhile, efforts to get a response from Highl.
