Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | In a dramatic U-turn that underscores the immense influence of modern football sponsorship, Highlanders FC are reportedly set to unveil former Warriors talisman and Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari as their new head coach.
The move marks a staggering shift in the technical direction of the Bulawayo giants, coming just weeks after the club had officially announced South African tactician Thabo Senong for the same role.
The Harare “Power Meeting”
The shift in strategy follows a high-stakes trip to Harare on Tuesday by Highlanders chairperson Kenneth Mhlophe and his deputy, Fiso Siziba. The duo reportedly held a closed-door meeting with the club’s primary benefactor, Wicknell Chivayo, to navigate the club’s mounting financial pressures and finalize the technical team’s future.
Sponsorship Ultimatum
The appointment of Senong on January 4, 2026, had reportedly created a rift between the club’s executive and Chivayo. As early as December 1, 2025, Chivayo had publicly lobbied for the “Undertaker” to take the reins, offering a lucrative package that Bosso—currently grappling with liquidity challenges—found impossible to ignore.
The Chivayo Deal Breakdown:
-
Salary & Perks: Chivayo committed to personally funding Mwaruwari’s salary and benefits, including a luxury vehicle.
-
Squad Reinforcements: Additional undisclosed funds have been promised to secure top-tier talent for the 2026 Premier League campaign.
-
Pre-season Funding: A fully funded pre-season camp is on the table to ensure the “City of Kings” giants are championship-ready.
While Chivayo maintained that his initial US$1 million commitment was secure regardless of the coaching choice, he remained firm that additional financial support and the coach’s personal salary would only be triggered if Mwaruwari was at the helm.
The Senong Exit: A Costly Pivot
Highlanders now face the delicate and potentially expensive task of terminating Thabo Senong’s contract before he has even overseen a single training session. The South African coach appears to be a casualty of the club’s desperate need for financial stability, as the executive chose the path of least resistance to unlock Chivayo’s promised millions.
A New Era Under “The Undertaker”
For Benjani Mwaruwari, this represents a major opportunity to prove his managerial mettle on the domestic front after a brief stint at Ngezi Platinum Stars. With the backing of a massive war chest and a mandate to bring the glory days back to Barbourfields, the pressure will be on the legendary striker to deliver results immediately.
Highlanders fans, while divided on the executive’s decision-making process, will undoubtedly be eager to see if the combination of Benjani’s experience and Chivayo’s deep pockets can finally break the club’s long-standing league title drought.
For comments, Feedback and Opinions do get in touch with our editor on WhatsApp: +44 7949 297606.
