BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Former Silver Strikers head coach Peter De Jong is reportedly on the radar of Highlanders FC as a potential replacement for outgoing Zambian coach Kelvin Kaindu, who left the club last month following a series of underwhelming results.
According to Zimbabwe’s Chronicle newspaper, De Jong was spotted at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday during Highlanders FC’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against Caps United.
He was reportedly in the company of an individual closely connected to the Highlanders’ executive, further fueling speculation that talks are already underway for his return.
Highlanders FC, one of Zimbabwe’s most decorated football clubs, are currently in a disappointing 9th place with 28 points from 23 matches 16 points behind league leaders Simba Bhora FC, who have accumulated 44 points from the same number of games.
This poor run of form has prompted the club’s management to seek a more experienced hand to turn things around in the second half of the season.
De Jong is no stranger to the club, having famously guided Highlanders to Chibuku Super Cup glory in 2019.
However, his stay was short-lived as he moved on to coach at FC Platinum, the Somalia national team, Malawi’s Silver Strikers, and most recently, Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy, where he spent two months earlier this year.
The possible reunion with Highlanders could mark a new chapter for both the Dutch tactician and the club, which is desperate to reclaim its position among the top contenders in Zimbabwean football.
