Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube,Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Warriors skipper Benjani Mwaruwari has confirmed rubbing shoulders with flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo in Harare over the weekend, a meeting that has set the country’s football rumour mill spinning like a roulette wheel.
Zimbabweans woke up on Monday to whispers that Chivayo, never shy of splashing cash on passion projects, is eyeing Highlanders. The Bulawayo giants are desperately hunting for a new coach after parting ways with Dutchman Pieter De Jongh last week. Bosso, who have now endured a painful 19-year title drought, decided not to renew De Jongh’s contract despite him steering a thin, patched-up squad away from relegation.
He became the third tactician this year, after Kelvin Kaindu and Try Ncube, to battle through a season with what insiders openly describe as a mediocre side. Chivayo is said to have pledged to bankroll key aspects of the job and even dangled a “kit” for the next gaffer — a war chest to buy players and rebuild the squad.
Pressed for clarity, Benjani played the ball tight to his chest. Yes, he met Chivayo. Yes, they discussed football. But the former Manchester City man refused to dive deeper into speculation.
“It is every coach’s dream to be involved with a big club in any country,” he said.
The former Warriors captain is currently developing young talent at Plymouth Argyle, but his remarks have sent Bosso supporters into overdrive. Some already see him marching into Barbourfields in a black and white tracksuit, while others warn that hope has broken many a Highlanders heart before.
Still, the combination of Chivayo’s wallet and Benjani’s pedigree has injected fresh excitement into Bulawayo’s football circles. And with Bosso desperate to end nearly two decades of pain, every whisper carries weight.
For now, Benjani isn’t saying much. Chivayo isn’t saying anything. But the city is talking — loudly.
