Raymond Jaravaza., Sports Reporter
THE Kasongo Boys are chasing silverware, but rumours linking Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari to their dugout have added fresh intrigue to the football transfer mill.
Hardrock FC, one of the big spenders in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, have been linked with Mwaruwari, with speculation suggesting the Bosso coach could be heading to Kwekwe next season.
The talk gathered momentum after Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu was spotted at Barbourfields Stadium during last week’s Highlanders home fixture against Manica Diamonds.
However, Hardrock chairman Wellington Mpandare has poured cold water on the speculation, insisting the Midlands outfit has no reason to look beyond its current coach.
The transfer talk has been fuelled further after Highlanders’ season-find, Mongameli Tshuma, signed a pre-contract with Hardrock for next season, raising questions about whether more Bosso personnel could be heading to the fast-rising PSL side.
Mpandare, however, was adamant that Kaindu remains firmly in charge.
“We have no reason to engage any coach, Benjani Mwaruwari included, for two reasons; we are on top of the Premier Soccer League log standings and our coach Kaindu (Kelvin) has a running contract. The team is playing very well and we are happy with the coach. His contract runs until the end of the 2027 season and his focus is fully on Hardrock FC and winning silverware for the team,” said Mpandare.
The contrasting fortunes of the two coaches make the speculation particularly intriguing.
Kaindu has guided Hardrock to the summit of the PSL standings, collecting 66 points from 31 matches after 20 wins, six draws and five defeats.
Mwaruwari, meanwhile, has endured a frustrating campaign with Highlanders, who sit eighth on 43 points from 31 matches. Bosso have managed nine wins, suffered six defeats and drawn 16 times.
While Hardrock are chasing honours, Highlanders are battling to finish the season on a stronger note.
Despite the speculation, Mwaruwari has reaffirmed his commitment to Highlanders, saying he is prepared to see out his contract if the club’s leadership remains satisfied with his work.
Speaking to the media after another goalless draw against Manica Diamonds at Barbourfields Stadium last Sunday, the former Warriors captain said his future remained in the hands of the club’s leadership.
“I am still contracted and I have two years. If the bosses are happy with me, I will continue,” said Mwaruwari.
The Bosso coach also indicated that he was already looking towards next season, giving younger players opportunities to prove themselves as the club seeks to finish as high as possible in the current campaign.
“We have been trying to give some youngsters a chance to show what they can do for us next year. Some of them are showing they can play. In the league we are trying to finish as high as we can.”
For now, Hardrock have publicly backed Kaindu, while Mwaruwari says he remains committed to Bosso. But with reports of Tshuma’s impending move to Kwekwe and speculation swirling around the Highlanders dugout, the transfer talk is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
