Fans back Benjani as Highlanders coach earns high marks after 23 games

HIGHLANDERS coach Benjani Mwaruwari has won over the majority of Bosso supporters, with fans overwhelmingly rating his first season in charge highly despite the club’s well-documented financial and administrative challenges.

Riding high off beating champions Scottland FC, Mwauruwari seems to be endearing himself to the Highlanders faithful.

Chronicle asked readers to rate Mwaruwari’s performance out of 10 after 23 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches, and the responses painted the picture of a coach who has gradually transformed doubters into believers.

While opinions ranged from as low as one out of 10 to humorous ratings of 2,000 out of 10, the overwhelming majority of supporters scored him between eight and 10, with many arguing he has exceeded expectations.

Several supporters cited Highlanders’ difficult working environment, including delayed salaries, financial constraints and boardroom challenges, as reasons why the former Zimbabwe captain deserves even greater credit.

One fan, Innoe Nxumalo, admitted his opinion had changed.

“I was one of his critics questioning how he landed the job. He is slowly winning my heart. Kaqhubekele phambili ngomsebenzi,” he wrote.

Emmanuel Ali also praised the coach for silencing critics.

“Benjie is a gift kuBosso. I will give him 10. Many wanted to see him fail instead of supporting their Bulawayo boy,” he said.

Tinotenda Basvi said Mwaruwari had surpassed expectations.

“Taking into consideration that he was not so welcome in his first games, he has performed way above half,” he commented.

Supporters also pointed to Highlanders’ record this season, noting that the club has suffered only two defeats in 23 league matches.

Nkosikhona Dibiti said: “10/10. Of the 23 games he lost two.”

Others highlighted Bosso’s resilience despite operating with limited resources.

Spencer Tshuma wrote: “10/10, considering that he is coaching the boys with empty stomachs.”

Tinotenda Basvi echoed similar sentiments, while Tino WekwaMabwe added: “Remember how tough it is to motivate someone with an empty stomach. He is doing wonders.”

Not everyone handed out perfect scores.

Some supporters felt Highlanders still needed to improve in attack after drawing several matches they could have won.

Bekithemba Sibanda rated Mwaruwari six out of 10, saying: “Can do better when it comes to attack.”

Mthulisi Moyo awarded him seven out of 10, adding that the coach “needs to be braver with his substitutions.”

Others felt Bosso’s number of draws prevented a perfect rating, with Jackson Simbarashe Dzirutwe giving him eight out of 10 “just because of the many draws.”

There were also a handful of dissenting voices, with a few supporters questioning whether Highlanders had achieved anything extraordinary, while others rated him as low as two or three out of 10.

However, those opinions were in the minority.

Many supporters believe Mwaruwari is laying the foundations for future success if he is given time and proper backing.

Busani Maqumbaqaleke Sigidi said: “9/10. He is moulding a destructive machine. Watch Bosso in two or three seasons, all things equal.”

Cmax Wilson shared a similar view.

“Give him time and he’ll bring back Bosso glory days,” he said.

The responses suggest that Mwaruwari, who endured scrutiny during the opening weeks of his tenure, has steadily earned the trust of the Highlanders faithful through consistent performances on the pitch.

With just two defeats in 23 league matches and Bosso remaining among the league’s strongest defensive sides despite financial turbulence, many supporters believe the former Warriors striker has already laid a solid foundation for the future.