Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
“It is every coach’s dream to be involved with a big club in any country,” says former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari, who has emerged as a potential candidate for the vacant Highlanders job following weekend discussions with businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo.
Mwaruwari confirmed in an interview that he met Chivayo in Harare, where the two spoke broadly about local football. While he would not be drawn into the finer details of their conversation, his acknowledgement of interest comes as the Bulawayo giants continue their search for a substantive head coach after parting ways with Pieter de Jongh last week.
Zimbabweans woke up on Monday to social media reports of Chivayo’s willingness to assist Highlanders, an offer that includes paying the coach’s salary and covering related costs. Chivayo, who in June pledged US$1 million to Bosso and has already released half of it, publicly floated the idea of Mwaruwari taking over the reins at the club.
During their “random and wide-ranging discussions,” Chivayo said he was struck by what he described as Benjani’s unparalleled exposure and deep understanding of local football culture—credentials he believes make the former Manchester City and AJ Auxerre striker an ideal candidate for Bosso.
While Mwaruwari maintained a diplomatic stance, he did not dismiss the possibility. The former Warriors skipper is currently involved with development sides at English Championship club Plymouth Argyle.
Highlanders chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla, however, said the club has not made any appointment and is still considering its options. “The position of the club is that we do not have a coach at the moment as we separated with De Jongh. There is no appointment that has taken place,” he said yesterday.
Several names have been linked to the vacant post. South African-based Thabo Senong is believed to be on the club’s radar, while former Kaizer Chiefs striker Wedson Nyirenda has also been mentioned.
Veteran coach Tennant Chilumba, who famously guided Hwange to a CAF Confederation Cup berth over a decade ago, is understood to be keen as well.
With the clock ticking toward the new season and Bosso desperate to end a 19-year league title drought, the coming days may determine whether Mwaruwari’s coaching dream aligns with Highlanders’ rebuilding ambitions.
