Zenzo back to rebuild Bosso spirit

Langton Nyakwenda,Zimpapers Sports Hub

HIGHLANDERS have turned to one of their most trusted sons to help steady the dressing room and reconnect the team with its identity as club legend Zenzo Moyo returns as team manager at a time Bosso are trying to reset under coach, Benjani Mwaruwari.

The former striker, who won league titles and the Soccer Star of the Year award during his decorated spell at Bosso, says coming back to serve the club was never something he had to think twice about because Highlanders shaped his career and remain close to his heart.

Moyo joins a technical set up led by former Manchester City forward Mwaruwari, a man he grew up playing with in Bosso’s junior ranks before their careers took different paths across the football world, and their reunion now comes at a moment the club is trying to rebuild trust and stability around the team.

Now reunited, Moyo’s role is expected to stretch well beyond administration as Highlanders look to rebuild culture, strengthen the bond between players and supporters and create stability around the squad ahead of the new season.

“I am very happy to be back at Highlanders because they are a very big club in Zimbabwean football,” said Moyo.
“When Bosso come calling, you can’t deny them. Even if they had said come and do sweeping in the offices I would not have refused, as long as it helped the club.”

The 50 year old remains one of the most respected figures among the Bosso faithful after helping the club dominate local football at the turn of the millennium, including scoring 21 goals to win the 2002 Golden Boot as Highlanders marched to another league title.

He believes his biggest contribution now will be helping maintain standards inside the camp while also supporting a coach he believes has the pedigree to succeed and the temperament to handle the weight of expectation that comes with the job.

“Highlanders made me, that’s not a secret. Bosso fans are just amazing, they have been there for the club in good and bad times,” he said.

Moyo also backed Mwaruwari to win over supporters and succeed in the demanding role, saying his experience at the highest level of the game should count for the club as they look to rebuild momentum.

“Benjani is a football hero. He played for a big team like Manchester City and you don’t play for that club if you are not a top player. He has to be given a chance,” said Moyo.

The strength of Moyo’s influence was clear after Highlanders’ 1-0 win over Dynamos in the Jairos Jiri Charity Cup last weekend when he persuaded Mwaruwari to walk to the Soweto End and salute supporters after the final whistle, a gesture that drew loud approval from the stands and underlined the importance of reconnecting with the club’s core support base.

“Soweto End is the heartbeat of Highlanders Football Club, so it’s important for a coach to connect with this stand,” said Moyo.

Highlanders will hope the return of one of their most decorated former players helps restore belief and unity inside the camp as they look to build momentum heading into the new campaign.