Benjani “The Undertaker” Mwaruwari
By Dickson Bandera
Football rumour corridors are once again abuzz with reports that Highlanders Football Club may be set to appoint former Zimbabwe Warriors captain and ex-Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari as head coach.
The developments come at a time when South African coach Thabo Senong, who was recently appointed, has yet to take charge of a competitive match, with the club currently in the off-season.
Reports suggest that Highlanders could move to pay off Senong’s contract should Benjani’s appointment be finalised, with indications that the former Warriors skipper would be backed by sponsorship support from businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo.
Benjani enjoyed a distinguished playing career, turning out for clubs such as Manchester City, Portsmouth and Auxerre, while earning over 60 caps for the Zimbabwe national team. In preparation for life on the touchline, he has been pursuing coaching qualifications and recently attained a Diploma in Coaching after three years of study.
Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe and deputy chairman Fiso Siziba are reported to have met with Chivayo in Harare to discuss the potential appointment. Chivayo had initially offered to fund the coaching position if Benjani was appointed, but the club leadership opted for Senong at the time. The renewed interest in Benjani now complicates the situation, with paying off Senong emerging as a possible option.
Chivayo has also reportedly committed funds towards pre-season preparations and player signings ahead of the 2026 season.
As Highlanders prepare to celebrate their 100th anniversary this season, expectations are high that the club will return to its traditional dominance after narrowly avoiding relegation last term.
A son of Highlanders, Benjani’s coaching experience includes stints at Ngezi Platinum Stars and the Zimbabwe national team as an assistant coach, though both tenures ended prematurely.
The looming question now is whether this opportunity will finally place Benjani’s coaching career on a firm path, allowing him to follow in the footsteps of former players such as Norman Mapeza, Moses Chunga, Lloyd Chitembwe, Kalisto Pasuwa and Joel Luphahla, who have successfully transitioned into coaching.
