Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
CELEBRATED ex-Highlanders midfielder Amini Soma-Phiri has been shown the door amid revelations that Bruce Tshuma has been appointed team manager of the Premiership football club.
Tshuma’s appointment comes shortly after the Bulawayo giants unveiled former Warriors and Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari as their new head coach. Mwaruwari takes over from Dutch tactician, Pieter De Jongh.
“The Undertaker”, as Mwaruwari is affectionately known, will be assisted by Mkhokheli “Mshoza” Dube, who replaces Try Ncube.
According to the club chairman’s report, Highlanders have also parted ways with fitness trainer Abraham Mbaiwa and goalkeepers’ mentor, Tembo Chuma. Mbaiwa has since joined Kelvin Kaindu at newly promoted Hardrock, while Chuma has moved to MWOS. Their positions have been filled by Majahawodwa Ndlovu and former Highlanders junior goalkeeper is said to be on the way.
“Following the disappointing conclusion of the 2025 season, management undertook a comprehensive review of the technical department. After extensive consultations, the club appointed Benjani Mwaruwari as head coach for the 2026 season,” said Bosso chairman, Kenneth Mhlophe, during the club’s annual meeting.
He added: “This decision followed unseen challenges in finalising the engagement of Thabo Senong. Additional appointments and departures were effected within the technical team with the objective of strengthening capacity, improving performance standards, and restoring competitiveness in the 2026 season.”
Meanwhile, Mhlophe revealed that Bosso 90, despite surviving relegation, will remain the club’s primary feeder side to the senior team.
“The team survived relegation in the previous season, and management remains optimistic about improved performances going forward. The club is committed to directing increased resources towards youth development, which is envisaged to become the long term backbone of Highlanders Football Club.”
The Bosso chairman further stated that plans are already underway to implement a structured training and development programme, intended to produce players capable of stepping into the first team.
“At present, approximately five Bosso 90 players are training with the first team and being assessed by the first team and management is hopeful that some will be registered for Premier Soccer League (PSL) action.”
