CHIVHAYO EFFECT: Highlanders FC to dump South African coach for Mwaruwari in dramatic U‑turn

By afrik-foot.com

Highlanders FC are set to make a dramatic coaching U‑turn just weeks after confirming Thabo Senong as head coach, with the Bulawayo giants now on the brink of appointing former Manchester City and Jomo Cosmos striker Benjani Mwaruwari according to a report by Heraldonline.

The development comes less than a fortnight after Highlanders named Senong as the replacement for Dutch coach Pieter de Jongh, a decision that now appears set to be reversed before the South African tactician officially takes charge.

Senong, a former South Africa Under‑20 national team coach, returned to South Africa last week to process his work permit following his appointment on 5 January. However, reports indicate he may no longer need to return to Zimbabwe, with Highlanders preparing to rescind his one‑year contract.

The former AmaZulu and Uganda assistant coach had briefly travelled to Zimbabwe after his appointment, but a sudden change of direction at boardroom level has left his future at the club in serious doubt.

At the centre of the decision is Highlanders benefactor Wicknell Chivhayo, who has reportedly made it clear that Benjani Mwaruwari is his preferred candidate for the role.

Chivhayo is understood to have promised increased financial support should the club appoint the former Zimbabwe international, while the decision to hire Senong allegedly strained relations between the benefactor and the Bulawayo giants. The Herald has reported that Chivhayo subsequently withdrew backing, forcing the club into a rethink.

Highlanders cave in amid financial pressure

With Highlanders currently facing financial difficulties, the club has reportedly given in to Chivhayo’s demands in an attempt to stabilise operations. Chairman Kenneth Mhlophe is said to have met the businessman in Harare on Tuesday to finalise the deal that would see Mwaruwari installed as head coach.

The club is facing legal action from last season’s assistant coach, Agent Sawu, over unpaid dues, while negotiations to retain senior players whose contracts expired at the end of 2025 have stalled.

Mwaruwari, who is based in England, last coached in Zimbabwe in 2023, when he was in charge of Ngezi Platinum Stars. His tenure was cut short after he was dismissed midway through the season.

Despite that setback, the former Manchester City, Portsmouth and Sunderland forward remains a respected figure in Zimbabwean football, and his appointment is expected to unlock significant financial backing from Chivhayo.

The businessman has also reportedly pledged funds for Highlanders’ 2026 pre‑season training camp, a crucial boost for the cash‑strapped club.

Player exits deepen Highlanders crisis

Highlanders’ financial instability has already impacted the squad, with the club losing several key players. Among them is Mason Mushore, who completed a move to AmaZulu FC earlier this month.

Last season, Chivhayo pledged US$1 million (approximately R16.4 million) to the Bulawayo giants, with the funds released in tranches. However, ongoing cash‑flow challenges have left the club desperate for renewed benefactor support.

Should Mwaruwari’s appointment be confirmed, he would become the second former Zimbabwe international brought back into local football by Chivhayo after Peter Ndlovu.

Ndlovu was lured to Scottland FC, the 2025 Zimbabwean champions bankrolled by Chivhayo’s company IMC Communications, where he now serves as team manager.