Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS are set to appoint former Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari as head coach, with South African Thabo Senong now expected to take up the assistant coach role as the Bulawayo giants reshape their technical department ahead of the new season.
The development marks a change from the club’s earlier plan, which had Senong positioned to lead the team, but sources close to the discussions say the final structure is still being ironed out, with formal communication yet to be issued.
Insiders say talks have progressed significantly and Mwaruwari is expected in Bulawayo on Thursday, although no final agreement has been confirmed and the former Warriors striker is still waiting for official word before he can treat the move as done.
Sources indicate that the delay has been caused by the need for alignment between the club leadership and key stakeholders involved in the process, with the technical reshuffle now depending on the final approval and official announcement.
Under the new structure being discussed, Senong will serve as assistant coach, Mkhokheli Dube is expected to come in as second assistant, while Bruce Tshuma is lined up to take over as team manager as Highlanders build a new support system around the incoming head coach.
Businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivhayo has reportedly offered to pay Mwaruwari’s salary, a development that has provided financial backing to the plan and is understood to have influenced the latest shift in the technical structure.
Chivhayo is also said to have pledged support towards a pre-season training camp and to provide resources for player recruitment as Highlanders look to strengthen their squad for the 2026 campaign.
Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe and deputy chairman Fiso Siziba travelled to Harare this week for engagements with sponsors and stakeholders, with chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla confirming the club had been meeting funders.
“We are going to see our principal sponsors and another sponsor whom I will not mention right now,” Mnkandla said.
Mwaruwari’s expected appointment comes shortly after he completed a Diploma in Professional Soccer Coaching in Liverpool, United Kingdom, on Monday evening, capping three years of upgrading his coaching qualifications at the Plymouth Argyle Academy training ground.
“Good, this one is behind my back,” Mwaruwari said after graduating.
A source close to the former Portsmouth striker said he has seen reports linking him to Highlanders but has not received official confirmation.
“He has read the reports online, but nothing is official. Benjani is ready to work, but he is waiting for formal confirmation from the club and the benefactor,” said the source.
The club is seeking to fill the void left by Pieter de Jongh, whose contract was not renewed beyond December 31, with the new technical structure expected to be confirmed once all parties finalise the outstanding details.
If confirmed, the appointment will mark a new chapter for Highlanders as they attempt to reset and mount a stronger challenge in the upcoming season.
It’s scary when money drives such decisions. Chivhayo, like Bernard Marriot Lusengo, now calls the shots at Highlanders. It’s no secret that Highlanders is a tribal outfit especially its supporters and management. The entry of Wicknell into a secret arrangement with Highlanders management to fund the team will create problems. Mark my word.