Bosso play it cool on Benjani

Fungai Muderere-Zimpapers Sports Hub

HIGHLANDERS have gone quiet on the biggest football question in Bulawayo right now, whether ex-Warriors captain Benjani “Undertaker” Mwaruwari is walking into the Bosso dugout or not.

Mwaruwari has been strongly linked with the job in recent days, with South African tactician Thabo Senong widely tipped to come in as his assistant as Highlanders reshuffle their technical bench ahead of a new season that is already pressing in on them.

But when contacted last night, Mwaruwari also refused to be drawn into the talk, keeping his cards close as speculation swirled across WhatsApp groups, social media and the city’s football corners.

Highlanders chief executive Denzel Mnkandla said the club will not confirm anything until there is something signed and finalised.

“The Benjani issue is an issue that the club has not spoken about or responded to, and rightly so,” said Mnkandla.

“It will remain that way until the club and Benjani have an agreement of some sort. Nothing to comment on at this time.”

Behind the silence, the club’s backroom is being quietly reworked, with former Bosso player Mkhokheli Dube expected to take up the role of second assistant coach as part of a wider re-organisation that insiders say is meant to tighten the structure and speed up decision-making.

The delay has started to bite. Bosso’s coaching decision has dragged on long enough to affect planning, recruitment and dressing room clarity, and now the club heads into its annual general meeting on Sunday with members demanding answers and direction.

Bosso life member Chunkie Dube said supporters are losing patience because the clock is running out on pre-season and players still don’t know who will be leading them when the campaign begins.

“We are kindly asking to be guided accordingly. We have been hearing so many stories from the newspapers and social media,” said Dube.

“January is almost over, when will the coach get to understand his players? I think, the club is running out of time and the pre-season period is about to conclude.”

Not everyone agrees on the right man. Prominent supporter Thabisa “SaBosso” Gundu said he has seen the Benjani reports, but his personal preference is Senong, a coach whose name has been floated around Bosso before.

Others believe Highlanders should take the gamble on the former Portsmouth and Manchester City striker, arguing his profile alone changes the mood around the club.

Jongilanga Ndondo said the leadership should seriously consider bringing Mwaruwari in, pointing to his playing pedigree and the backing he is believed to have behind the scenes.

“Benjani has seen it all in football. He has played at the highest level, and he has the qualifications and backing from people who are willing to take care of his salary,” said Ndondo.

Winston Banda added that Bosso have a chance to bet on a “Bulawayo boy” and, in the process, rebuild the club’s appeal to fans, sponsors and even players who want to be part of something bigger.

“I think it will be wise to hire Benjani. He has a pull factor to fans, players and sponsors. He is a brand that can always help Bosso in so many ways,” said Banda.

“Also as fans and members we should highly consider supporting the club financially. We should not always move around with a begging bowl.”

Some supporters are choosing to sit back until the club speaks. Rambirai Zvoma summed up the mood of those tired of rumours and leaks.

“The wise thing now, let’s wait for the official word from Highlanders,” said Zvoma.

On Facebook, the debate has been emotional and deeply personal, with Progress Mutsamusha Sibanda calling on supporters to rally behind the club regardless of who takes the job.

“If you love Bosso, then support him (Mwaruwari). Highlanders FC will never die,” wrote Sibanda.

“The team is the only thing that is preserving Bulawayo culture today, don’t allow emotions to take you away from your values. Supporting Bosso is a lifestyle.”

Long-time follower Cathrine Mkhwananzi struck a different tone, saying she is loyal to the badge, not the individuals who come and go.

“I don’t support Benjani, I support Highlanders. Whoever comes on board will get my following like I have always,” she wrote.

“Whether it’s a new coach, new player, or new leadership, I will always support it, as one day they will leave the club, and Highlanders will remain.”

Businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo has emerged as a key figure in the club’s new direction after offering to pay Mwaruwari’s salary, a financial intervention insiders say shifted the balance of power in the technical set-up at a time Senong was being mentioned as the main man.

Chivayo is also said to have pledged support for a pre-season camp and promised funds for player recruitment, raising expectations among supporters who have watched Bosso fall short in recent seasons and now want visible backing on the pitch, not just talk.

With the AGM now just days away, Mnkandla said the club’s attention is on Sunday’s meeting, where members will be updated on preparations, the financial audit and the road ahead.

“The AGM is an important gathering of the members of the club where updates on season preparedness, the financial audit and the general direction of the club will be discussed,” said Mnkandla.

“We are three days away and are working hard to ensure it is a success.”