Mwaruwari set to join Highlanders as technical director

Highlanders Football Club could see club legend Benjani Mwaruwari return next year, not as head coach but in a strategic role as technical director, according to sources close to the club.

This development comes after club benefactor Wicknell Chivayo publicly proposed bringing Mwaruwari on board to take charge of the Bulawayo giants, offering to cover the former Manchester City star's contractual obligations. Highlanders, however, had initially rejected the overture, insisting that standard procedures for hiring technical staff would be followed.

A reliable source confirmed that the matter has since been resolved behind the scenes. Mwaruwari will join the club as technical director, while a new substantive head coach will be appointed. Johannes Ngodzo, currently with Zifa Central Region side Gwanda Pirates, is a leading candidate for the role, supported by former Highlanders player Mkhokheli Dube as assistant coach.

"That issue has been resolved, but if Benji is coming in, he is not coming in as head coach, but as technical director, with Johannes Ngodzo taking over as head coach and Mkhokheli Dube as assistant coach," the source said. Discussions have also reportedly taken place with former Bulawayo Chiefs coach, Portuguese national Nilton Terroso.

The club issued a statement following Chivayo's social media post, acknowledging his generous proposal while reiterating that recruitment procedures for coaching staff remain in place.

"Highlanders Football Club recognises the gesture by our benefactor Sir Wicknell Chivayo, in which he made a proposal to facilitate and take care of Benjani Mwaruwari if he were to be engaged as the club's head coach," the statement read. "While the news is greatly appreciated, the club would like to remind stakeholders that there are processes and procedures in place for hiring technical and playing staff. The club is in the process of finalising a potential candidate to take over from De Jongh, and this development will be shared with the Highlanders FC family once concluded."

Chivayo has been a major financial lifeline for Highlanders, contributing US$1 million for the 2025 season in tranches of US$250 000 and rescuing the club from Fifa sanctions by settling debts owed to former coaches Baltemar Brito and Antonio Torres.

The club, which narrowly avoided relegation in the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season, has confirmed that Pieter De Jongh's contract will not be extended. The status of assistant coaches Try Ncube and Agent Sawu has not yet been clarified.

Mwaruwari's return in a technical role is being welcomed by some fans as a boost for Highlanders' stability and strategic planning, while others remain cautious given the club's ongoing financial and operational challenges.