Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS stepped into new territory with the announcement of Thabo Senong as head coach, alongside former youth international Mkhokheli Dube as his assistant — a decision that immediately stitched the club into a fresh chapter of Zimbabwean football history.
Senong flew into the country yesterday afternoon and was welcomed at Joshua Mqabuko International Airport by the club’s chief executive officer, Denzel Mnkandla, and assistant coach, Mkhokheli Dube.
He is expected to begin work this week.
The South African becomes the first coach from across the Limpopo River to take charge of a Zimbabwean club in 46 years. For decades, the traffic has largely flowed in the opposite direction, with Zimbabwean coaches and players carving out careers in South Africa. Bobby Chalmers, a former Rhodesia striker, set the tone with his move to Durban in 1963. Since then, dozens have followed — some of them exceptional.
This time, Highlanders have reversed the trend, and the response has been largely positive. There is a sense that the appointment could provide the spark for the club’s centenary celebrations and a reset that extends beyond the first team into the junior ranks.
Senong arrives in Bulawayo with an impressive résumé. He won the Cosafa Under-20 title with South Africa and guided the same age group to two World Cup finals — an achievement few coaches anywhere in the world can claim.
Former Premiership player and respected development coach Dumaza Dube, believes Senong’s strength lies in rebuilding from the base. He says the club needs time, but is confident results will follow.
“He brings a wealth of experience in rebuilding through youth structures, which has always been Highlanders’ philosophy. Over the years, the club has seemed to lose its culture of passing, entertaining football built from the back.
“I think, as a South African, he carries that philosophy in his DNA. It won’t be easy, but with time he will lead the team to the Promised Land. Given his global experience as a coach, team building will be an easier process for him.
My hope is that he provides a framework for youth development programmes at the club, creating a reliable and resourceful supply chain for the first team and overseas markets,” said Dube.
Dube adds that Senong’s exposure to a more commercial football environment could help Highlanders evolve beyond matchday entertainment and become active players in the football business space.
Former football commentator Sibongumusa Dlodlo, who boasts close to two decades of experience, also endorsed the appointment by the Kenneth Mhlophe executive.
“I think his profile aligns with Highlanders’ culture of developing young talent. However, there must be a collectively agreed direction within the club. If the focus is on building a squad, then everyone must buy into that vision.
“Failure to do so will lead to problems when others demand instant results. I believe focusing on the club’s feeder system will be best for long-term success. Mkhokheli Dube also fits into this philosophy. The leadership must sell this direction to members and fans — and stick to it no matter what,” said Dlodlo.
Zimbabwe Soccer Coaches Association official Bekhimpilo Nyoni, urged caution, even as he pledged support. He warned that Senong steps into an environment where expectations are immediate and unforgiving.
“Highlanders have appointed the first South African coach. His main achievement is taking South Africa Under-20 to the World Cup. He has also been an assistant coach at a club in Tanzania, but we cannot talk about success there — club and national team football are quite different. It’s an experiment. People must support what the club has done. Highlanders aim to win everything, so we will allow and support him. But he is not coming with a guaranteed winning formula, considering his previous roles,” said Nyoni.
Football legend Chris Mhlanga struck a simpler note.
“He should be given a chance to try and achieve something for the club,” said Mhlanga.
Beyond the optimism, the Highlanders board and executive share the responsibility of strengthening the squad with players who bring fresh legs and hunger. Senong arrives at a time when Melikhaya Ncube has just left, and another member of the captaincy, Andrew Mbeba, appears headed for the exit.
Shelton Moyo, Shepherd Mhlanga and Rainsome Pavari are expected to arrive from FC Platinum — if the clubs agree — to add steel to the side. Bosso have also lost the Mushore brothers, while McKinnon moved to Simba Bhora after Joel Luphahla, and young Mason joined AmaZulu — a deal that could help fund quality reinforcements.
The question now hangs in the air: Will South African flair triumph over Zimbabwe’s running football? Time will tell — and so will the patience of the Highlanders family.
