bOSSO remain tight-lipped . . . Benjani speculation grows

Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub

HIGHLANDERS have gone silent on the biggest football question in Bulawayo right now — whether former Warriors captain Benjani “Undertaker” Mwaruwari is set to walk into the Bosso dugout.

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

However, when contacted last night, Mwaruwari also declined to be drawn into the discussion, keeping his cards close as speculation continued to swirl across WhatsApp groups, social media platforms and the city’s football spaces.

Highlanders’ chief executive officer Denzel Mnkandla said the club would not confirm anything until there is a signed and final agreement in place.

“The Benjani issue is an issue that the club has not spoken about or responded to, and rightly so. It will remain that way until the club and Benjani have an agreement of some sort. Nothing to comment on at this time,” said Mnkandla.

Behind the public silence, the club’s backroom staff are quietly being restructured, with former Bosso player Mkhokheli Dube expected to take up the role of second assistant coach as part of a broader reorganisation that insiders say is aimed at tightening structures and speeding up decision making.

The delay is beginning to tell. Bosso’s coaching appointment has dragged on long enough to affect planning, recruitment and clarity within the dressing room, with the club now heading into its annual general meeting on Sunday amid rising pressure from members demanding answers and direction.

Bosso life member Chunkie Dube said supporters are growing impatient as the clock runs down on the pre season period, with players still uncertain about 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. 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,” said Dube.

Many fans believe Highlanders should take the gamble on the former Portsmouth and Manchester City striker, arguing that his profile alone could lift the mood around the club.

Jongilanga Ndondo said the leadership should seriously consider appointing Mwaruwari, citing his pedigree as a player 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 an opportunity to back a “Bulawayo boy” and, in the process, rebuild the club’s appeal to supporters, sponsors and potential recruits.

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

Some supporters are choosing to wait for official communication from the club. Rambirai Zvoma reflected the mood of fans weary of rumours and constant leaks.

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

On Facebook, the conversation has been emotional and deeply personal, with Progress Mutsamusha Sibanda urging supporters to rally behind the club regardless of who is appointed.

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

Long time follower Cathrine Mkhwananzi struck a different note, saying her loyalty lies with the badge rather than 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. Either it’s a new coach, new player, new leadership I will always support as one day they will leave the club and Highlanders will remain,” she wrote.

Businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo has emerged as a central figure in the club’s proposed new direction after offering to pay Mwaruwari’s salary — a financial intervention insiders say shifted the dynamics within the technical set up at a time when Senong was being discussed as the preferred candidate.

Chivayo is also said to have committed funding for a pre-season camp and pledged support for player recruitment, raising expectations among supporters eager to see tangible backing on the pitch after several seasons of near misses.

With the AGM now just days away, Mnkandla said the club’s immediate focus is on Sunday’s meeting, where members will be briefed on preparations, the financial audit and the path forward.

“The AGM is an important gathering of the members of the club where updates on season preparedness, the financial audit and general direction of the club will be discussed. We are three days away and are working hard to ensure it is a success,” said Mnkandla.