Harare businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo has thrown his weight behind Zimbabwean soccer giants Highlanders FC by offering former national team star Benjani Mwaruwari as the club’s next coach, volunteering to cover his salary should the appointment go through. The announcement has sent ripples through local football circles, sparking excitement and debate among supporters eager to see Bosso regain its competitive edge.
The news emerged on Monday via Chivayo’s official Facebook page, where he revealed that discussions with Mwaruwari and another former Zimbabwe international, Harrington Shereni, had naturally turned to the state of Highlanders following the club’s decision not to renew the contract of Dutch coach Pieter De Jongh. De Jongh’s tenure is set to end on December 31, leaving Highlanders without a head coach as the team prepares for a new season.
Chivayo, one of Highlanders’ most prominent benefactors, wrote that during their “random and wide-ranging discussions,” the topic of the club’s coaching vacancy sparked what he described as a “brilliant thought” and a “Eureka moment.” According to Chivayo, Mwaruwari’s unparalleled local and international experience, combined with his deep understanding of Zimbabwean football culture, made him an ideal candidate to lead Bosso.
“Considering Benjani’s UNPARALLELED exposure locally and internationally, his global FOOTBALL PEDIGREE and his BETTER UNDERSTANDING of Zimbabwean football CULTURE, why should he not take a serious interest in assuming the role of HEAD COACH for Highlanders FC?” Chivayo wrote. He added that Mwaruwari had expressed willingness to take up the role on the condition that Chivayo guarantees all contractual obligations, effectively ensuring that the former striker would be compensated appropriately regardless of club finances.
Wicknell Chivayo Offers Benjani Mwaruwari Highlanders Coaching Role, Pledges to Cover Salary
Chivayo has long been a supporter of Highlanders, previously pledging US$1 million to the club in June, half of which has already been released in cash. His involvement has been crucial in helping the team manage operational costs and retain key players amidst the financial challenges that have plagued Zimbabwean football in recent years. The businessman’s new offer is seen by many fans as a continuation of his commitment to reviving Highlanders’ fortunes.
Highlanders CEO Denzil Mnkandla, when approached for comment on Monday morning, confirmed the club’s current lack of a head coach. “The position of the club is that we do not have a coach at the moment as we separated with De Jongh. There is no appointment that has taken place,” he stated.
While Chivayo’s offer is a high-profile proposal, Highlanders are reportedly exploring multiple options to fill the vacancy. Among the names mentioned in local football circles are South African coach Thabo Sanong, former Kaizer Chiefs striker Wedson Nyirenda, and Tennant Chilumba, who famously guided Hwange FC to the CAF Confederation Cup over a decade ago. Each candidate brings different experience and credentials, reflecting the club’s desire to strike a balance between international exposure and familiarity with Zimbabwean football.
Fans have reacted with a mixture of enthusiasm and cautious optimism. Many see Mwaruwari as a figure capable of inspiring players and boosting morale, citing his decorated playing career in Europe and his leadership on and off the pitch. Others, however, caution that coaching requires a different skill set from playing, urging the club to ensure that any appointment is backed by proper training, strategy, and managerial support.
Chivayo’s proposal also highlights the growing role of private benefactors in Zimbabwean football, where clubs often face financial constraints that limit their ability to attract top talent. By offering to underwrite Mwaruwari’s salary, Chivayo is not only supporting Highlanders financially but also signaling the potential for innovative partnerships between business leaders and football clubs in the country.
As Highlanders enter the off-season, the club faces the dual challenge of securing a competent coach and maintaining team stability. With multiple high-profile names now in consideration and Chivayo’s backing of Mwaruwari, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the direction of one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated football institutions.
For now, the Highlanders faithful remain hopeful that a new coaching appointment—whether it be Benjani Mwaruwari or another qualified candidate—will inject renewed energy and ambition into the club, setting the stage for a successful campaign in the domestic league and continental competitions.
Source- Herald
