Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS have lit up the off-season with a decision that has stunned their fans. The club is set to unveil a foreign head coach next week after opting to walk away from Wicknell Chivayo’s push to hand the job to Benjani Mwaruwari — along with a sweetener.
The showdown unfolded on Monday when Chivayo went public with his offer to bankroll Benjani’s entire tenure, including wages. He even pledged an additional recruitment budget on top of his ongoing sponsorship.
Such an offer would usually shift mountains, yet Bosso’s board and executive shut the door just hours later.
Insiders reveal the club had already sealed its deal. A South African coach has been in constant contact for weeks and is expected in Bulawayo next week.
“The new coach will arrive next week to take over coaching duties. The board and executive met on Monday and resolved to settle for the foreign coach who is already in contact with the club,” a source said.
Bosso later issued a late-night statement thanking Chivayo for his passion while making it clear that the club adheres to its own processes.
“Highlanders Football Club recognises the gesture by our benefactor, Sir Wicknell Chivayo. While the news is greatly appreciated and the club believes he acted with the best interests of the club at heart, the club would like to remind its stakeholders that there are processes and procedures that speak to the hiring of technical and playing staff,” the statement read.
The club also saluted Chivayo’s continued support as the team counts down to its centenary in 2026.
Chivayo’s claim that he had spoken to Mwaruwari sparked a wave of hype, which intensified when a picture of Benjani and former Bosso midfielder Johannes “Tshisa” Ngodzo in Mzilikazi began circulating. Rumours swirled that Ngodzo might join him on the bench. Ngodzo has earned strong praise at Gwanda Pirates, but that path now appears closed as Bosso locks in its foreign choice.
All this drama unfolded as the club confirmed the exit of head coach Pieter de Jongh, whose contract ends on December 31.
A breakdown between the Dutchman and the leadership proved decisive. He had already drawn up a list of 13 players he wanted out — a process that has now been halted.
His assistants, Try Ncube and Agent Sawu, are also expected to depart as the technical team undergoes a reshuffle.
The incoming coach is believed to have followed Bosso’s final matches closely. He now steps into a club bracing for major changes and will begin the rebuild next week.
