Chivayo Pushes for Mwaruwari as Highlanders Seek New Coach

Highlanders benefactor Wicknell Chivayo is lobbying for the appointment of Benjani Mwaruwari as the club’s next head coach, as Bosso continue their search for a replacement for Pieter De Jongh. The Dutchman’s brief four month stint ended after the team narrowly escaped relegation on the final day of the season.

Chivayo revealed on social media that he has already met with Mwaruwari and formally submitted his recommendation to the Highlanders executive. He said the former Warriors captain expressed willingness to take the job on condition that his contract would be personally guaranteed by Chivayo.

The businessman described hosting Mwaruwari and fellow Zimbabwean football great Harrington Shereni for breakfast as a major highlight over the weekend.

“Mkoma Benji confirmed that he would consider the Highlanders role provided I exclusively guarantee all his contractual interests,” Chivayo wrote. “I found the request fair for a football icon of his calibre.”

He said he has since sent a proposal to the club through his representative, urging Bosso to assess Mwaruwari through their standard internal processes.

Chivayo stressed that the potential deal with Mwaruwari is separate from the USD1 million sponsorship package he already pledged to the team. While the donation is intended to strengthen player recruitment for the 2026 Premier Soccer League season, he is prepared to personally take on the full cost of the coach’s contract.

According to Chivayo, his offer includes buying Mwaruwari a brand new vehicle of his choice and covering his salary and benefits for the duration of his tenure. However, he made it clear that these additional terms apply only if Highlanders opt for Mwaruwari.

“If the club appoints a different coach, the sponsorship package remains, but the extra conditions fall away,” he said.

If Bosso accept the proposal, the move would see Mwaruwari return to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, following his previous spell in charge of Ngezi Platinum.