Chivayo made it clear that Bosso may go ahead with the Senong deal, but… 

By Advent Shoko

Bulawayo giants Highlanders have made a dramatic U-turn, appointing former Warriors captain and Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari as their new head coach while South African tactician Thabo Senong appears set to be paid off and sent packing, sources say.

The sensational developments unfolded on Tuesday in Harare, where club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe and deputy Fiso Siziba met benefactor Wicknell Chivayo, who has long been a key figure in Highlanders’ financial lifeline.

“Benjie is the new Highlanders dressing room sheriff. He has signed the contract and from the looks of it, the club may pay off Senong. Chivayo made it clear that Bosso may go ahead with the Senong deal, but he won’t release a single dime,” said a close source familiar with the negotiations.

Chivayo reportedly promised to fund the club’s pre-season training camp and earmarked an undisclosed sum to sign quality players, signalling his desire for the club to compete for honours this season.

This move comes after Highlanders had previously announced Senong as head coach, rejecting Chivayo’s public recommendation to hire Benjani. The club insisted it needed autonomy and due process, and the decision appeared to sour relations with their benefactor. Sources reveal that after the rejection, Chivayo reportedly stopped communicating with the club, refusing their calls.

• Mwaruwari Set For Key Role At Bosso As Senong Returns To South Africa

The timing could not be worse for Highlanders, who are financially handicapped in securing Senong without Chivayo’s backing. The club had only recently been bailed out by Chivayo after a FIFA ban for failing to settle the money owed to Brazilian coach Brito Baltemar.

Adding to the drama, Senong is back in South Africa, after ZIMRA authorities reportedly told him to leave Zimbabwe due to incomplete paperwork, despite the coach claiming he had done enough to regularise his stay.

• Highlanders Appoint New Coaches

With Benjani stepping in, Highlanders hope to steady the ship and inject new energy into the dressing room ahead of the season. Whether this high-stakes gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear, Bosso’s season will be shaped as much off the pitch as on it.