Bosso turns to foreign coach as Chivayo-Benjani deal collapses

Highlanders have ignited the off-season with a shock decision that has left their supporters stunned, opting to appoint a foreign head coach despite businessman Wicknell Chivayo's high-profile push to hand the job to Benjani Mwaruwari - complete with a lucrative sponsorship package.

The dramatic showdown unfolded on Monday when Chivayo publicly offered to bankroll Benjani's entire tenure, including his salary, while also pledging an additional recruitment budget on top of his existing sponsorship of the club. But in a decisive move, the Bosso board and executive rejected the proposal just hours later.

Insiders say Highlanders had already finalised an agreement with a South African coach who has been in regular contact with the club for several weeks. The coach is expected to arrive in Bulawayo next week to begin work.

"The new coach will arrive next week to take over coaching duties. The board and executive met on Monday and resolved to settle for the foreign coach who is already in contact with the club," a source said.

Late Monday night, the club released a statement thanking Chivayo for his passion and continued support, while firmly restating that the hiring of technical staff follows established internal procedures.

"Highlanders Football Club recognises the gesture by our benefactor, Sir Wicknell Chivayo. While the news is greatly appreciated and the club believes he acted with the best interests of the club at heart, the club would like to remind its stakeholders that there are processes and procedures that speak to the hiring of technical and playing staff," the statement read.

The gesture from Chivayo had sparked widespread excitement, especially after he claimed to have spoken to Benjani. Momentum grew when a photo of the former Warriors captain with ex-Bosso midfielder Johannes "Tshisa" Ngodzo in Mzilikazi began circulating, fuelling speculation that Ngodzo - who has impressed at Gwanda Pirates — could join the technical team. Those hopes now appear dashed as Highlanders commit to their foreign choice.

The coaching drama comes as Highlanders confirmed the departure of head coach Pieter de Jongh, whose contract expires on December 31. A breakdown in relations between the Dutchman and the club leadership sealed his fate. De Jongh had already submitted a list of 13 players he wanted released, a process that has since been halted pending the arrival of the new coach.

His assistants, Try Ncube and Agent Sawu, are also expected to leave as part of a wider reshuffle of the technical department.

The incoming coach, believed to have closely monitored Bosso's final matches of the season, steps into a club on the verge of major restructuring. He is expected to begin the rebuilding process next week as Highlanders look to stabilise and prepare for their centenary in 2026.