Highlanders have appointed former Warriors captain and ex-Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari as their new head coach.
Earlier this month, the Bulawayo giants named South African coach Thabo Senong as head coach and confirmed the appointment in a statement issued on 4 January 2026.
However, the decision ran contrary to the wishes of the club’s benefactor, Wicknell Chivayo.
On 1 December 2025, Chivayo had urged Highlanders to consider Mwaruwari for the role, offering to personally cover his salary and benefits.
He also made it clear that if the club opted for a different coach, he would not pay the coach’s salary or provide a vehicle.
Amid serious financial challenges, Highlanders were forced to reconsider their stance and reverse the Senong appointment.
The club is now expected to terminate Senong’s contract before he has overseen a single training session.
Mwaruwari’s appointment was formally confirmed in a letter dated 21 January 2026, written by Highlanders chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla and addressed to Chivayo. The letter reads:
“Highlanders Football Club would like to sincerely thank you for all the financial and directional assistance to the club that you have rendered this past season, 2025.
“The club acknowledges the splendid recommendation you made for the club to engage Mr Benjani Mwaruwari in a capacity to strengthen the club, given his technical experience in the game.
“The club is pleased to inform you that we have been in negotiations with Mr Mwaruwari regarding how he can help the club we love so much improve both on and off the field.
“Consequently, the club and Mr Mwaruwari have come to an agreement that will see him take up the role of Head Coach.
“We believe his expertise will help steer the club in the right direction in terms of performance and excellence.
“This we believe is the vision our all- weather Sponsor had. We are pleased to see where this agreement takes the club as we look to be guided by Mr Mwaruwari in playing strategy, youth development, player development pathways and more.
“We look forward to you supporting Mr Mwaruwari and consequently, the club as we look to a successful coming season.
“We are mostly humbled by the love you have shown the club through your support and your forward-thinking in what is best for the club.
“We would like to thank you for your patience during this lengthy negotiation. Your support will never be
taken for granted.
“We would also like to appreciate our curator, Mr J. Nkomo, who has been extremely helpful throughout this process and from the very start.
“We greatly value his input and wisdom in helping us steer the club in a positive direction.”
Related:
Highlanders Set To Appoint Benjani As Head Coach
Highlanders Snub Chivayo Offer, Name South African Thabo Senong As New Head Coach