Highlanders are reportedly set to announce former Warriors captain and former Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari as their new head coach.
Reports say club chairperson Kenneth Mhlophe and his deputy, Fiso Siziba, travelled to Harare on Tuesday, where they met the club’s sponsor, Wicknell Chivayo.
Earlier this month, Highlanders had appointed South African coach Thabo Senong as head coach, with the club confirming the decision in a statement on 4 January 2026.
However, this appointment went against Chivayo’s wishes. On 1 December 2025, Chivayo had asked the club to consider Benjani Mwaruwari for the role.
Chivayo said that, in addition to the US$1 million he had already given the club, he would personally pay Benjani’s salary and benefits.
He added that the sponsorship money would still be used to help the team sign quality players for the 2026 Premier League season.
However, he warned that if the club chose a different coach, he would not pay the coach’s salary or provide a vehicle, although the US$1 million would still support the team.
Facing serious financial difficulties, Highlanders are said to have reconsidered their decision not to appoint Mwaruwari.
As a result, Mhlophe and Siziba reportedly travelled to Harare to seek further financial support from Chivayo and agreed to appoint Benjani as head coach.
Chivayo reportedly made it clear that the club was free to proceed with the Senong appointment, but that he would not release any additional funds if they did so.
Highlanders are now expected to pay off and release Senong before he has even taken charge of a single training session.
Chivayo is also said to have promised to fund a pre-season training camp and provide additional money, the amount of which has not been disclosed, to help the Bulawayo giants sign quality players and compete for honours.
Related:
Highlanders Snub Chivayo Offer, Name South African Thabo Senong As New Head Coach
Highlanders Stick To Procedure As Chivayo Pushes Benjani Appointment