Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
HIGHLANDERS’ departure for a six-day pre-season training camp in Botswana yesterday provided firm confirmation of Bekithemba Ndlovu’s return to the club as second assistant coach to Benjani Mwaruwari.
The club was reluctant on giving an official position on the matter but Zimpapers Sports Hub can confirm Ndlovu will be the second assistant coach to Benjani Mwaruwari while Mkhokheli Dube is the first assistant coach.
Zenzo Moyo will be team manager.
Ndlovu was part of the travelling delegation that left Bulawayo after the club secured the necessary clearance.
His inclusion on the trip effectively settles speculation on his role at the club.
While the club is yet to issue an official position, the inclusion of Ndlovu in the travelling party leaves little doubt that he is part of Mwaruwari’s backroom staff.
The former Highlanders defender returns to familiar surroundings at a time when the club is seeking greater stability following a difficult 2025 campaign that ended with an 11th-place finish in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
The Botswana camp is part of broader efforts to ensure a more structured and competitive build-up to the new season.
For Mwaruwari, the trip is primarily about building understanding within both the technical team and the squad.
“This trip is going to help in many ways,” said Mwaruwari before departure. “I am new here, I need to understand my technical team and the players. We are going there to bond and understand each other.
“We have to do everything as a family. We have to understand each other — what this person wants and likes. We have to be on the same page.
“It’s unfortunate we did not have time to go into the market but so far so good. The boys are giving their all. The mood is good, spirits are high in camp. I think this trip shows that we are working towards a greater cause.”
Mwaruwari acknowledged that time constraints limited their activity in the transfer market, placing added emphasis on maximising the squad’s potential. In that context, the camp offers an opportunity to improve fitness levels, refine tactical ideas and strengthen working relationships.
Highlanders had initially considered Malawi as a possible pre-season destination before settling for Botswana. The six-day programme is expected to include intensive training sessions and friendly matches against local teams thereby providing Mwaruwari and his assistants an opportunity to assess combinations and evaluate players in competitive situations.
Ndlovu’s appointment also adds a layer of continuity within the technical structure. As a former Bosso player, Ndlovu understands the expectations and culture that come with representing Highlanders.
Working alongside first assistant coach Mkhokheli Dube, he completes a technical team that blends familiarity with a fresh approach under Mwaruwari.
After last season’s challenges, the emphasis this time is on preparation and cohesion. The departure for camp, coupled with a clearly defined technical structure, suggests a club intent on avoiding the disruptions that undermined its campaign last season.
