Highlanders Football Club officials have denied reports that they travelled to Harare to meet club benefactor Wicknell Chivayo, which was said to have led to the hiring of former Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari as head coach.
Vice-chairman Fiso Siziba told the Chronicle that the trip to Harare was actually for talks with sponsors Sakunda and Betterbrands, owned by business tycoons Kuda Tagwirei and Pedzai Scot Sakupwanya, both of whom are close associates of Chivayo. Said Siziba:
“Please try and confirm your facts first. We were in Harare to meet Sakunda and Betterbrands.”
However, Siziba did not comment on the ongoing debate over the technical bench issue.
Mwaruwari’s appointment is said to have been finalised, with the former striker expected to arrive in Bulawayo tomorrow to sign his contract.
Reports also indicate that Highlanders lifetime members are angry with the club’s leadership.
A Zimbabwean funeral service company, owned by a Bulawayo businessman, had offered to sponsor the club with US$700,000, but only if audited financial statements were provided.
The club reportedly failed this transparency requirement and instead accepted Chivayo’s proposal, which went against the wishes of many members.
This has caused frustration among Highlanders supporters, who are calling for the current Board Chair, Luke Mkandla, and Executive Chair, Kenneth Mhlophe, to step down and make way for what they describe as fair and respectful sponsorship.
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