Highlanders Set to Appoint Benjani Mwaruwari as Head Coach Ahead of 2026 Season

Highlanders Football Club is preparing to appoint former Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari as head coach, with South African Thabo Senong expected to take up the assistant coach role. The move is part of a wider technical reshuffle as the Bulawayo giants gear up for the 2026 season.

The latest discussions indicate a change from the club’s earlier plan, which had positioned Senong as the head coach. Sources say final agreements are still being formalised, with official communication pending. Talks have reportedly progressed well, and Mwaruwari is expected in Bulawayo soon, though no final confirmation has been issued.

Under the proposed structure, Senong will serve as assistant coach, Mkhokheli Dube as second assistant, and Bruce Tshuma as team manager. The new setup aims to build a strong support system around the incoming head coach.

Businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivhayo is reported to have offered to cover Mwaruwari’s salary, providing financial backing that influenced the technical reshuffle. Chivhayo has also pledged support for a pre-season training camp and resources for player recruitment as Highlanders strengthen their squad for the upcoming campaign.

Chairman Kenneth Mhlophe and deputy chairman Fiso Siziba recently travelled to Harare to engage sponsors and stakeholders, while CEO Denzil Mnkandla confirmed ongoing meetings with funders.

Mwaruwari’s expected appointment follows his completion of a Diploma in Professional Soccer Coaching in Liverpool, United Kingdom. He spent three years upgrading his coaching qualifications at the Plymouth Argyle Academy. Sources close to the former Portsmouth striker say he is ready to start work but is waiting for formal confirmation from the club and benefactors.

The new coaching structure seeks to fill the void left by Pieter de Jongh, whose contract was not renewed after December 31. If confirmed, Mwaruwari’s appointment will signal a fresh chapter for Highlanders as they aim to rebuild and mount a stronger challenge in the 2026 season.