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Chivayo dangled $2 million on Mwaruwari taking charge
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Highlanders are reportedly set to appoint former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari as their new head coach, following a dramatic turn in the club's management strategy and financial woes. The move comes after main sponsor Wicknell Chivayo reportedly conditioned a US$2 million bailout on Mwaruwari taking charge.
If confirmed, South African coach Thabo Senong would exit the post without managing a single competitive match, just weeks after his appointment on January 5, as he has yet to secure a work permit. Sources indicate that Highlanders are keen to retain Senong in some capacity, possibly as Mwaruwari's assistant, and discussions are ongoing regarding a potential payoff should he reject a demotion.
Chivayo, who amassed his wealth through state contracts, had previously recommended Mwaruwari before the club initially opted for Senong. Highlanders' AGM last week revealed that the club is around US$500,000 in debt, putting Chivayo in a powerful position.
"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 insider 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 on the reports. Meanwhile, Mwaruwari, speaking from England, downplayed speculation, saying he had yet to receive an official offer.
"At this moment, I have absolutely nothing to tell you about that (Highlanders job)," the former Auxerre, Portsmouth, and Manchester City striker said.
Highlanders CEO Denzil Mnkandla and chairman Kenneth Mhlophe were in Harare engaging other sponsors, including Sakunda Holdings' Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Betterbrands, linked to Scottland FC owner Scott Sakupwanya.
With the Premier Soccer League season set to kick off on March 6, Highlanders are racing against time to finalise their technical team and player recruitment. The club has already lost key players, including goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi, striker Mason Mushore, and midfielder McKinnon Mushore.
Uncertainty also surrounds the future of Senong's assistant, Mkhokheli Dube, though he could remain at the club depending on Mwaruwari's backroom selections.
Chivayo has publicly offered to cover Mwaruwari's salary and benefits, alleviating financial pressures on the club. Mwaruwari recently graduated with a Diploma in Professional Soccer Coaching in Liverpool, United Kingdom, after two years of study, which included a stint with Plymouth Argyle's junior structures. His previous coaching tenure at Ngezi Platinum Stars ended after just 13 matches.
If confirmed, South African coach Thabo Senong would exit the post without managing a single competitive match, just weeks after his appointment on January 5, as he has yet to secure a work permit. Sources indicate that Highlanders are keen to retain Senong in some capacity, possibly as Mwaruwari's assistant, and discussions are ongoing regarding a potential payoff should he reject a demotion.
Chivayo, who amassed his wealth through state contracts, had previously recommended Mwaruwari before the club initially opted for Senong. Highlanders' AGM last week revealed that the club is around US$500,000 in debt, putting Chivayo in a powerful position.
"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 insider 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 on the reports. Meanwhile, Mwaruwari, speaking from England, downplayed speculation, saying he had yet to receive an official offer.
"At this moment, I have absolutely nothing to tell you about that (Highlanders job)," the former Auxerre, Portsmouth, and Manchester City striker said.
Highlanders CEO Denzil Mnkandla and chairman Kenneth Mhlophe were in Harare engaging other sponsors, including Sakunda Holdings' Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Betterbrands, linked to Scottland FC owner Scott Sakupwanya.
With the Premier Soccer League season set to kick off on March 6, Highlanders are racing against time to finalise their technical team and player recruitment. The club has already lost key players, including goalkeeper Raphael Pitisi, striker Mason Mushore, and midfielder McKinnon Mushore.
Uncertainty also surrounds the future of Senong's assistant, Mkhokheli Dube, though he could remain at the club depending on Mwaruwari's backroom selections.
Chivayo has publicly offered to cover Mwaruwari's salary and benefits, alleviating financial pressures on the club. Mwaruwari recently graduated with a Diploma in Professional Soccer Coaching in Liverpool, United Kingdom, after two years of study, which included a stint with Plymouth Argyle's junior structures. His previous coaching tenure at Ngezi Platinum Stars ended after just 13 matches.
Source - zimlive
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