HARARE – Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has thrown his weight behind former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari to take over as Highlanders head coach following the club’s decision to part ways with Dutchman Pieter De Jongh.
In a statement on Monday, Chivayo revealed that he hosted Mwaruwari and former Zimbabwe international Harlington Shereni for breakfast at his home over the weekend. During the discussions, he said, the idea of Benjani taking charge at Bosso emerged.
Chivayo said Mwaruwari expressed interest in the job on condition that his contractual interests were “exclusively guaranteed” by the businessman.
“I was deeply humbled by such a condition, which I also considered fair and reasonable for a football icon of his stature,” Chivayo said.
The businessman said he has since formally submitted a proposal to the Highlanders leadership offering to personally underwrite Mwaruwari’s entire remuneration package if the Bulawayo giants consider him for the role.
Chivayo said the offer – separate from his existing US$1 million donation to the club – includes a brand-new car of the former Portsmouth and Manchester City striker’s choice, along with full salary and benefits for the duration of his contract.
However, he stressed that the additional benefits would apply only if Highlanders appoint Mwaruwari.
“If the club opts for a different coach, the sponsorship package remains in place for the benefit of the team, but the additional conditions would not apply,” he said.
Mwaruwari, 46, enjoyed a high-profile playing career in Europe and South Africa before moving into coaching. His most recent job was at Ngezi Platinum Stars in 2022.
Mwaruwari has a UEFA A Licence and has been working on his UEFA Pro Licence – the level required to coach in the top flight in Zimbabwe.
Chivayo argued that Highlanders should prioritise a local coach with “technical capability and local understanding,” insisting that foreign appointments – “predominantly white coaches” – had failed to deliver consistent results.
Highlanders announced on Saturday that De Jongh would leave the club when his contract expires at the end of December.
The club has not publicly commented on Chivayo’s proposal. – ZimLive
