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Lovemore Dube and Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS Football Club have, in effect, confirmed Benjani Mwaruwari as their new head coach, and the clearest proof now sits in a letter authored by chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla and addressed to club benefactor, Wicknell Chivayo.
Zimpapers Sports Hub has seen a letter from Highlanders’ chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla to Chivayo confirming that the club has reached an agreement with the former Manchester City and Warriors striker to take over as head coach. The correspondence offers a rare, unfiltered look into the mechanics of one of the club’s most significant appointments in recent years.
Although Bosso are yet to issue a public announcement, the private letter makes it clear that the Bulawayo giants have already settled on the man to spearhead their rebuild. More tellingly, it credits Chivayo not only for his financial backing, but for providing what the club describes as “directional assistance” and, crucially, the recommendation that brought Benjani firmly into the frame.
“Highlanders Football Club would like to sincerely thank you for all the financial and directional assistance to the club that you rendered this past season, 2025,” wrote Mnkandla. “The club acknowledges the splendid recommendation you made for the club to engage Benjani Mwaruwari in a capacity to strengthen the club, given his technical experience in the game.”
Mnkandla explained that the club held discussions with Mwaruwari centred on how best the former striker could help Highlanders progress, before those talks crystallised into a clearly defined role at the very top of the technical structure.
“Consequently, the club and Mr Mwaruwari have come to an agreement that will see him take up the role of head coach. We believe his expertise will help steer the club in the right direction in terms of performance and excellence,” wrote Mnkandla.
The letter also sheds light on why Highlanders opted for Benjani beyond the obvious pull of his name and profile. According to the CEO, the appointment dovetails with the sponsor’s broader vision and positions Mwaruwari as a central figure in shaping playing philosophy, youth development and long term player pathways — areas Bosso supporters have repeatedly demanded be prioritised after years of falling short while rivals planned decisively, recruited boldly and surged ahead.
Mnkandla further appealed for Chivayo’s continued backing as Highlanders brace themselves for what is expected to be a high pressure campaign, one in which patience has worn thin and the club is desperate to shed the label of perennial rebuilders and return to winning ways.
“We are pleased to see where this agreement takes the club as we look to be guided by Mr Mwaruwari. Bosso is humbled by the love that Mr Chivayo has shown through his support and his forward thinking approach in what is best for the club,” wrote Mnkandla.
The letter goes on to thank Chivayo for his patience throughout the negotiation process and singles out club curator Jabulani Nkomo for his influential behind the scenes role, a small but telling detail that underlines how many stakeholders were involved before the deal finally crossed the line.
“We would also like to appreciate our curator, Mr J. Nkomo, who has been extremely helpful throughout this process and from the very start. We greatly value his input and wisdom in helping us steer the club in a positive direction,” wrote Mnkandla.
Contacted on Thursday afternoon in the United Kingdom, Mwaruwari refused to publicly confirm the appointment, making it clear that he would not be drawn into media conversations about the Highlanders job.
“Yes, there has been interest from either side. From the beginning we agreed not to play it in the media,” said Mwaruwari. “Whatever has come out of the talks whether I come or not, it is a matter for Bosso, the sponsor and myself, otherwise I have no comment to make.”
A source close to the negotiations, however, indicated that the agreement is fully sealed, revealing that Mwaruwari received confirmation of his appointment on Wednesday and is expected in Zimbabwe shortly. His arrival, the source said, is likely to trigger the official announcement and a formal unveiling of his technical team.
“Everything is sealed. He is happy about coming to coach a team he dreamt of playing for as a kid until he played for its juniors,” said the source. “He is aware of the task ahead and has accepted that he will work with all the coaches that the club has already appointed.”
That final detail is where the next chapter of Bosso’s story begins. Benjani steps into a technical structure that is already taking shape, and the looming question is no longer whether he is coming, but how authority and influence will be shared once he does.
Mwaruwari is expected to work alongside South African coach Thabo Senong and assistant coach Mkhokheli Dube, with a goalkeepers’ trainer and additional technical staff still to be announced as Highlanders finalise their bench.
Dube has overseen the team throughout the off season, working closely with physical trainer Majaha Ndlovu, and sources indicate he will remain part of the setup as the club transitions into what it hopes will be a new and more decisive era under Benjani.
The appointment is also inseparable from another issue Bosso supporters have loudly debated all summer: recruitment funding and the club’s capacity to attract quality players after seasons of operating on thin margins while competitors strengthened aggressively.
Sources say discussions around Chivayo’s role have extended to financing player acquisitions, a critical component of Highlanders’ ambitions as they attempt to close the gap on the clubs that have set the standard in recent seasons and turn renewed influence into tangible success.
Online Reporter