Benjani fires Amini Soma-Phiri

CELEBRATED former Highlanders midfielder Amini Soma-Phiri has been shown the door amid revelations that Bruce Tshuma has been appointed team manager of the Premiership football club.

Tshuma's appointment comes as part of sweeping changes at the Bulawayo giants following the unveiling of former Warriors and Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari as the club's new head coach. Mwaruwari takes over from Dutch tactician Pieter De Jongh ahead of the 2026 season.

Affectionately known as "The Undertaker", Mwaruwari will be assisted by Mkhokheli "Mshoza" Dube, who replaces Try Ncube on the technical bench.

In his chairman's report delivered at the club's annual meeting, Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe confirmed that the club has also parted ways with fitness trainer Abraham Mbaiwa and goalkeepers' coach Tembo Chuma.

Mbaiwa has since joined Kelvin Kaindu at newly promoted side Hardrock, while Chuma has moved to MWOS. Their positions at Bosso have been filled by Majahawodwa Ndlovu, with a former Highlanders junior goalkeeper reportedly set to join the technical team.

"Following the disappointing conclusion of the 2025 season, management undertook a comprehensive review of the technical department," said Mhlophe.

"After extensive consultations, the club appointed Benjani Mwaruwari as head coach for the 2026 season. This decision followed unforeseen challenges in finalising the engagement of Thabo Senong."

He added that further changes within the technical team were deliberate and aimed at restoring the club's competitiveness.

"Additional appointments and departures were effected within the technical team with the objective of strengthening capacity, improving performance standards, and restoring competitiveness in the 2026 season," Mhlophe said.

Meanwhile, the chairman confirmed that Bosso 90, despite narrowly surviving relegation, will remain Highlanders' primary feeder team.

"The team survived relegation in the previous season, and management remains optimistic about improved performances going forward," he said. "The club is committed to directing increased resources towards youth development, which is envisaged to become the long-term backbone of Highlanders Football Club."

Mhlophe revealed that plans are already underway to introduce a structured training and development programme designed to produce players capable of stepping up to the first team.

"At present, approximately five Bosso 90 players are training with the first team and being assessed," he said. "Management is hopeful that some will be registered for Premier Soccer League action."

The changes signal a clear reset at Bosso as the club seeks to rebuild after a difficult campaign and reassert itself among Zimbabwean football's elite.