Highlanders FC players abandon training

Highlanders players abandoned training today after going on strike over unpaid salaries and bonuses, plunging the Bulawayo giants into fresh turmoil just days before their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash against Chicken Inn at Barbourfields on Wednesday.

The strike follows mounting financial frustrations at the club, where the salary bill is reportedly covered by major sponsor Sakunda Holdings. Despite the backing, players say they have not received their dues on time, forcing the squad to halt preparations.

The crisis also comes amid revelations that head coach Benjani Mwaruwari has gone three months without pay. Sources say the former Manchester City striker has received only one salary payment since taking charge in January, with other contractual benefits — including a phone, laptop, accommodation costs, and match bonuses — also outstanding.

A tense meeting last week between Mwaruwari and club chief executive Denzil Mnkandla reportedly ended in deadlock, with the executive distancing the club from responsibility for the delays.

At the centre of the dispute is a complex sponsorship arrangement tied to millionaire businessman Wicknell Chivayo's reported $1 million package for the 2026 season. Instead of funds being deposited directly into the club's account, payments are routed through legal representatives and a curator, Jabulani Nkomo, who controls disbursement timing.

Under the arrangement, the club is required to submit monthly payment requests detailing salaries and performance bonuses owed, which are then processed through Chivayo's legal representatives.

"Somewhere along that chain, the process has broken down," a source familiar with the arrangement said, adding that delays have now created significant operational strain at the club.

Club officials, speaking privately, have expressed concern over the structure, saying it limits financial control and complicates accountability. They argue that direct payment into the club's account would be more efficient and transparent.

"We are grateful for the sponsorship, but the current arrangement is far from ideal," one official said.

Mnkandla, Mwaruwari, and Nkomo have all declined to comment.

The unrest adds to a challenging start for Mwaruwari, whose side remains unbeaten in the league but has drawn all seven of its matches this season. The coach recently voiced frustration over administrative delays, including issues securing a work permit for Zambian forward Isaac Ngoma, who eventually made his debut in last week's draw against ZPC Kariba.

In a bid to stabilise operations, the club has since appointed Culvin Mavunga as performance analyst, addressing one of the coach's earlier concerns.