Zimbabwean giants Highlanders FC have appointed former Jomo Cosmos forward Benjani Mwaruwari as their new head coach for the 2026 season, an appointment accompanied by a R10.4 million financial injection. Mwaruwari’s appointment comes a few weeks after the club initially announced Thabo Senong as their new head coach before withdrawing the offer.
Prominent businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who pledged a total of US$585,000 [R10.4 million) to the club to mark the former Portsmouth and Manchester City striker’s arrival. Mwaruwari’s professional journey famously took flight at Jomo Cosmos under the mentorship of Jomo Sono, before he moved to Swiss side Grasshopper Club Zürich and then to Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre a year later. He went on to star for clubs like Manchester City and Portsmouth.
Benjani later featured for Portsmouth and City before returning to the Betway Premiership to showcase his veteran class at Bidvest Wits and Chippa United. His appointment at Bosso is being hailed as a tactical masterstroke, leveraging his extensive regional and European experience to revive the fortunes of Zimbabwe’s oldest club.
LUXURY BUS AND SALARY BACKING FOR BENJANI MWARUWARI
The news broke alongside a staggering donation from businessman Chivayo, who cited a promise made to his late uncle, former Zimbabwean Vice President John Landa Nkomo, as the motivation for the windfall.
The sponsorship package includes a US$300,000 [R4.8 million] cash injection to cover ‘The Undertaker’s’ salary, signing-on fees, and the clearance of player arrears. The businessman also purchased a brand-new 75-seater Higer Executive coach, valued at US$285,000 [R4.6 million], with leather interiors, Wi-Fi, and onboard executive facilities.
Chivayo has also committed to purchasing a car of Mwaruwari’s choice as part of the coach’s new contract. “The expertise and pedigree of Mkoma Benji speaks for itself… His exposure to football at the regional level in South Africa… make him the best coach option for iBosso,” Chivayo said.
Despite the scale of the donation, Chivayo was quick to dispel rumours of a potential hostile takeover of the club. He emphasised that his role remains purely as a supporter and patriot, driven by the desire to see Highlanders lift the 2026 Premier Soccer League trophy.
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