Highlanders set to cancel Senong’s deal in shock coaching U-turn

Highlanders CEO Denzil Mnkandla and Thabo Senong. Picture by Highlanders FC/Facebook

Just over a fortnight after confirming Thabo Senong as head coach, Highlanders FC are set to rescind their decision and replace him with a former Manchester City FC forward, it has emerged.

Senong, who returned to South Africa last week to process his work permit, might not need to return to Zimbabwe as the Bulawayo giants are on the brink of hiring former Jomo Cosmos and Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari.

On 5 January, Highlanders confirmed the former South Africa Under-20 coach, Senong, as Pieter de Jongh’s replacement. He briefly came to Zimbabwe, but in a sudden turn of events, his one-year contract will be paid off, as Mwaruwari takes over.

Mwaruwari is the club benefactor’s, Wicknell Chivhayo, first choice having promised to pour in more funds if they appoint him. And their decision to hire Senong created a rift between the two parties, with the benefactor said to have pulled the plug.

Mwaruwari, who is based in England, last coached a Zimbabwean club, Ngezi Platinum Stars, in 2023 but was dismissed halfway through the season. To appease, Chivhayo, whose company IMC Communications also bankrolls 2025 Zimbabwean Champions, Scottland FC, they have reportedly given in, to hire Mwaruwari.

HIGHLANDERS BENEFACTOR CHIVAYO PREFERS MWARUWARI OVER SENONG

Benjani Mwaruwari during his graduation in Liverpool, UK. Picture by Benjani Mwaruwari/Facebook

FARPost sources say chairman Kenneth Mhlophe met benefactor Wicknell Chivayo in Harare on Tuesday to seal the deal, a dramatic turn of events for Senong, whose return was largely anticipated.

In addition, Chivayo is said to have promised a windfall for the team’s 2026 pre-season training camp. As it stands, the club is in a financial crisis, having been dragged to court by coach Agent Sawu, who was their first assistant last season, over unpaid dues.

Last season, the flamboyant businessman promised US$1 million [R16.4 million] to the Bulawayo giants. The money was disbursed in tranches.

Furthermore, they are battling to tie down some of their senior players whose contracts lapsed at the end of 2025. Simply put, that has left them desperate. The club has already lost key players, including Mason Mushore, who switched to AmaZulu FC earlier this month.

Should Mwaruwari’s deal materialise, he will become the second former Zimbabwe footballer that Chivhayo has brought back to Zimbabwe after Peter Ndlovu. Ndlovu was lured to Scottland FC where he is now the team manager.