Highlanders set to appoint Mwaruwari as coach after Chivayo dangles $2 million
BULAWAYO – Highlanders are poised to appoint former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari as their new head coach after the club’s main sponsor Wicknell Chivayo reportedly dangled a US$2 million bailout, ZimLive understands.
If confirmed, the move would see South African coach Thabo Senong exit the post without taking charge of a single competitive match, barely weeks after his appointment on January 5. Senong has yet to secure a work permit.
Highlanders are, however, understood to be keen to retain Senong in some capacity, including as Mwaruwari’s assistant. Discussions have also reportedly taken place around a possible payoff should Senong reject a demotion.
Chivayo, who made his fortune from state contracts, had previously recommended Mwaruwari to the Bulawayo giants before the club opted for Senong, and sources say the businessman has now made his financial backing conditional on Mwaruwari taking charge.
The dramatic turn of events follows revelations at Highlanders’ annual general meeting last week that the club is about US$500,000 in debt. Faced with the risk of Chivayo withdrawing support, club officials are said to have capitulated.
“These events may be a bitter pill to swallow for our fans, but the reality is the club – with all its glorious history going back 100 years – is broke,” a club source said.
“The only person willing to put his money where his mouth is is Chivayo. We are better off taking his money and rebuilding the club, including signing quality players and embarking on a commercialisation drive to ensure we can stand on our own two feet.”
Chivayo declined to comment.
Speaking from England on Tuesday evening, Mwaruwari played down reports of an imminent appointment, saying he had not yet received any offer from the club.
“At this moment, I have absolutely nothing to tell you about that (Highlanders job),” the former Auxerre, Portsmouth and Manchester City striker said.
Highlanders chief executive Denzil Mnkandla and chairman Kenneth Mhlophe were still in Harare on Tuesday holding engagements with other sponsors, including Sakunda Holdings’ Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Betterbrands, which is linked to Scottland FC owner Scott Sakupwanya.
With the Premier Soccer League season set to kick off on March 6, Bosso are racing against time to finalise their technical team and begin player recruitment. The club has already lost several key players, including goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi, striker Mason Mushore and midfielder McKinnon Mushore.
Uncertainty also surrounds the future of Senong’s assistant Mkhokheli Dube, who could yet remain at the club despite reports that Mwaruwari prefers to assemble his own backroom staff.
Chivayo has publicly offered to pay Mwaruwari’s salary and benefits, easing the financial burden on the club.
Mwaruwari graduated on Monday with a Diploma in Professional Soccer Coaching in Liverpool, United Kingdom, after two years of study. His previous stint as head coach at Ngezi Platinum Stars ended after just 13 matches. As part of his studies, he was attached to Plymouth Argyle’s junior structures.
