Benjani to lead Bosso as Senong takes assistant's role

HIGHLANDERS are edging closer to appointing former Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari as their new head coach, with South African Thabo Senong now set to assume the assistant coach role as the Bulawayo giants restructure their technical department ahead of the new season.

The latest development represents a shift from earlier plans that had Senong in line for the top job, although sources say the final structure is still being fine-tuned and is yet to be formally announced.

Insiders indicate that discussions have advanced significantly, with Mwaruwari expected in Bulawayo on Thursday. However, no agreement has been officially confirmed, and the former Warriors captain is still awaiting formal communication from the club before considering the move sealed.

Sources say the delay has been caused by the need to align club leadership and key stakeholders, with the proposed reshuffle subject to final approval and an official announcement.

Under the structure currently being discussed, Senong will serve as assistant coach, Mkhokheli Dube is expected to be appointed second assistant, while Bruce Tshuma is tipped to take over as team manager as Highlanders assemble a new technical and administrative support team around the incoming head coach.

Businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo is reported to have offered to pay Mwaruwari's salary, a development that has provided crucial financial backing and is understood to have influenced the latest changes to the technical setup.

Chivayo is also said to have pledged support for a pre-season training camp and player recruitment as Highlanders seek to reinforce their squad ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe and deputy chairman Fiso Siziba travelled to Harare this week to engage sponsors and stakeholders, with chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla confirming ongoing meetings with funders.

"We are going to see our principal sponsors and another sponsor whom I will not mention right now," Mnkandla said.

Mwaruwari's anticipated appointment comes days after he completed a Diploma in Professional Soccer Coaching in Liverpool, United Kingdom, on Monday, concluding three years of coaching development linked to the Plymouth Argyle Academy.

"Good, this one is behind my back," Mwaruwari said after graduating.

A source close to the former Portsmouth striker said he has seen media reports linking him to Highlanders but has not yet received official confirmation.

"He has read the reports online, but nothing is official. Benjani is ready to work, but he is waiting for formal confirmation from the club and the benefactor," the source said.

Highlanders are looking to fill the gap left by Pieter de Jongh, whose contract expired on December 31, with the new technical structure expected to be confirmed once outstanding issues are resolved.

If finalised, the appointment would signal a new chapter for Bosso as they attempt to rebuild and mount a stronger challenge in the upcoming season.