HARARE-(MaraviPost)-Highlanders FC of Zimbabwe have officially reappointed Dutch coach Pieter De Jongh as their head coach, marking his second stint with the Bulawayo giants.
The club unveiled De Jongh before enthusiastic supporters on Friday, signaling a renewed sense of hope for the struggling team.
De Jongh, who previously coached Malawian side Silver Strikers and also had stints with several African clubs, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for turning around underperforming teams.
During his first tenure at Highlanders, he led the club to a Chibuku Super Cup triumph in 2019, a feat that endeared him to the fans.
Highlanders have endured a difficult campaign in the ongoing Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season. After 25 matches, they are ninth on the log with 29 points, trailing the leading pack by a wide margin.
The team has struggled with consistency, scoring few goals and failing to convert home advantage into points.
The Dutchman faces a challenging task with just nine matches remaining this season, but the club’s leadership is optimistic he can lay the foundation for a strong comeback next year.
The management confirmed that he will also oversee recruitment and restructuring of the technical team.
His appointment also reflects a growing trend of Zimbabwean clubs hiring foreign coaches to inject fresh ideas and professional structures into their teams.