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Chivayo endorses Benjani for Highlanders job
40 mins ago |
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Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has publicly endorsed former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari to become the next Highlanders head coach, following the club's announcement that Dutchman Pieter De Jongh will depart when his contract expires on December 31.
In a statement issued Monday, Chivayo revealed that he hosted Mwaruwari and fellow former Zimbabwe international Harlington Shereni for breakfast at his home over the weekend. It was during this meeting, he said, that the prospect of Benjani taking charge at Bosso was discussed.
Chivayo said the ex-Manchester City and Portsmouth striker expressed willingness to take on the role, but only if his contractual interests were "exclusively guaranteed" by the businessman.
"I was deeply humbled by such a condition, which I also considered fair and reasonable for a football icon of his stature," Chivayo said.
He confirmed that he has formally submitted a proposal to the Highlanders board offering to personally finance Mwaruwari's full remuneration package should the club appoint him. The proposal, which is separate from Chivayo's existing US$1 million donation to the club, includes a brand-new vehicle of Mwaruwari's choice, as well as full salary and benefits for the duration of his contract.
However, he clarified that these additional benefits apply only if Highlanders select Mwaruwari.
"If the club opts for a different coach, the sponsorship package remains in place for the benefit of the team, but the additional conditions would not apply," he said.
Mwaruwari, 46, enjoyed an illustrious playing career in Europe and South Africa before transitioning into coaching. He holds a UEFA A Licence and has been working toward his UEFA Pro Licence. His last coaching job was with Ngezi Platinum Stars in 2022.
Chivayo also urged Highlanders to appoint a local coach with "technical capability and local understanding," arguing that foreign appointments - specifically "predominantly white coaches" - had not delivered sustained success for the club.
Highlanders announced over the weekend that De Jongh will leave at the end of his contract, marking the latest change in what has already been an active domestic coaching market.
The Bulawayo giants have not yet publicly responded to Chivayo's proposal.
In a statement issued Monday, Chivayo revealed that he hosted Mwaruwari and fellow former Zimbabwe international Harlington Shereni for breakfast at his home over the weekend. It was during this meeting, he said, that the prospect of Benjani taking charge at Bosso was discussed.
Chivayo said the ex-Manchester City and Portsmouth striker expressed willingness to take on the role, but only if his contractual interests were "exclusively guaranteed" by the businessman.
"I was deeply humbled by such a condition, which I also considered fair and reasonable for a football icon of his stature," Chivayo said.
He confirmed that he has formally submitted a proposal to the Highlanders board offering to personally finance Mwaruwari's full remuneration package should the club appoint him. The proposal, which is separate from Chivayo's existing US$1 million donation to the club, includes a brand-new vehicle of Mwaruwari's choice, as well as full salary and benefits for the duration of his contract.
However, he clarified that these additional benefits apply only if Highlanders select Mwaruwari.
"If the club opts for a different coach, the sponsorship package remains in place for the benefit of the team, but the additional conditions would not apply," he said.
Mwaruwari, 46, enjoyed an illustrious playing career in Europe and South Africa before transitioning into coaching. He holds a UEFA A Licence and has been working toward his UEFA Pro Licence. His last coaching job was with Ngezi Platinum Stars in 2022.
Chivayo also urged Highlanders to appoint a local coach with "technical capability and local understanding," arguing that foreign appointments - specifically "predominantly white coaches" - had not delivered sustained success for the club.
Highlanders announced over the weekend that De Jongh will leave at the end of his contract, marking the latest change in what has already been an active domestic coaching market.
The Bulawayo giants have not yet publicly responded to Chivayo's proposal.
Source - Zimlive
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