Highlanders crisis deepens, Benjani considers resignation

Highlanders are facing yet another crisis, with head coach Benjani Mwaruwaru reportedly frustrated by the worsening situation at the Bulawayo giants and now considering his position as turmoil continues to engulf the Bosso dressing room, Ezra Tshisa Sibanda reported.

Sources within the club say Highlanders players have once again refused to train this week as they demand payment of three months’ outstanding salaries.

Mwaruwaru, who has reportedly worked hard to persuade the players to continue training and honouring their fixtures despite the financial difficulties, is said to be increasingly frustrated by the situation.

The latest standoff comes just days after Highlanders suffered a painful penalty-shootout defeat to Blackrock in the lucrative Munhumutapa Cup at Hwange on Sunday.

The competition had presented Bosso with a significant financial opportunity, but preparations for the match were reportedly disrupted by the ongoing salary dispute.

According to sources, the players trained for only a day or so before the Hwange encounter before downing tools again this week.

The reported player unrest is not the only issue to have left the technical team frustrated.

Questions have also been raised over the team's travel and accommodation arrangements for the Hwange fixture, with sources claiming Highlanders effectively endured an additional 200km of travelling around the match.

The team reportedly left Bulawayo on Saturday morning for Hwange, travelling along the Victoria Falls road, much of which is currently undergoing construction.

However, instead of being accommodated in Hwange, where the match was scheduled to take place, the team was reportedly booked into accommodation in Victoria Falls, approximately 100km away.

A source said the team arrived in Victoria Falls at around 7.30pm, only to wait until approximately 10pm for dinner.

For professional athletes preparing for a competitive match the following day, the arrangements have raised questions about preparation, recovery and overall planning.

Some players were reportedly too exhausted to eat breakfast the following morning, with the team only coming together for lunch before making the approximately 100km journey back to Hwange for the match.

The defeat to Blackrock on penalties subsequently ended Highlanders' hopes of capitalising on the Munhumutapa Cup opportunity.

The latest developments have further intensified concerns over the club's ability to maintain stability both on and off the field.

With players demanding their outstanding salaries and the coaching staff reportedly growing increasingly frustrated, pressure is mounting on the Highlanders leadership to find an urgent solution to the crisis.

Mwaruwaru's reported consideration of his position could add another layer of uncertainty to a club already battling financial and organisational challenges.

Highlanders' management will now face growing pressure to resolve the salary impasse and restore normal training, while also addressing concerns over the team's preparation and logistical arrangements.