'Highlanders lied to me,' Senong breaks silence

South African coach Thabo Senong has spoken out following his abrupt departure from Highlanders Football Club, saying the club misled him and failed to honour contractual agreements.

Senong was unveiled as Highlanders' head coach earlier this month, signing a two-year contract set to run until December 2027. However, his stay in Zimbabwe lasted only five days before immigration officials ordered him to leave the country, citing the need for a completed work permit.

"I was ordered to leave the country on short notice, with only two hours to comply, and they said they would notify me when to come back once my work permit was sorted," Senong told Metro FM in South Africa.

"What surprised me is that I was given 30 days by the same immigration officials when I arrived in their country, and the funny part is that a new coach was appointed following this incident. So, yeah, I am disappointed because Highlanders lied to me; they should have been honest enough regarding the whole situation," he added.

Following Senong's forced exit, Highlanders appointed former Warriors striker Benjani Mwaruwari as head coach. The club later offered Senong the chance to stay on as Mwaruwari's assistant, an offer he declined.

"Highlanders then wanted me to work as Benjani's assistant, but I could not do that because the coach has his own philosophy, so I felt he needed his own room," Senong explained.

He confirmed that he is currently in negotiations with the club over a contract termination, with his representatives engaging Highlanders' management.

The incident has raised concerns over potential breaches of contract. Analysts note that if Senong escalates the matter to FIFA, Highlanders could face sanctions for failing to honour the coach's agreement.

This is not the first time Highlanders' contractual practices have been called into question. Just two weeks ago, the club was reportedly referred to FIFA by former coach Pieter De Jong for similar violations regarding contractual obligations.

Senong's public remarks have sparked debate among Bosso supporters, with many questioning the role of club management and financial backers in the swift appointment of Mwaruwari. The episode underscores ongoing challenges in professional football management in Zimbabwe.