Bosso show Chivayo the middle finger, turn down his offer to appoint Benjani Mwaruwari as coach

BULAWAYO – Highlanders Football Club have, through an official statement, declined controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s offer to have Benjani Mwaruwari appointed as their next head coach following the recent departure of Pieter de Jongh.

Chivayo, who has a soft spot for the club, had publicly suggested on his Facebook page that Highlanders should appoint the former Zimbabwe Warriors captain, who is now pursuing a coaching career.

He further claimed that his offer, separate from his previously pledged US$1 million donation to the club — included a brand-new car of Mwaruwari’s choice, as well as full salary and benefits for the entirety of his contract.

The additional package, he emphasised, would only be available if Bosso hired Mwaruwari.

However, Highlanders appear to have politely rejected the proposal.

“Highlanders Football Club recognises the gesture by our benefactor Sir Wicknell Chivayo, in which he made a proposal to facilitate and take care of Mr. Benjani Mwaruwari if he were to be engaged as the club’s Head Coach.

“While the news is greatly appreciated and the club believes he acted with the best interests of the club at heart, the club would like to remind its stakeholders that there are processes and procedures in place governing the hiring of technical and playing staff.

“The club is in the process of finalising with a potential candidate to take over from Mr. De Jongh in time for the upcoming season. This development will be shared with the Highlanders FC family once concluded.

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“We thank Sir Chivayo for his consideration and continued support. We look forward to greater support as the club turns 100 years in 2026,” the statement read.

However not everyone was in agreement with lifelong Bosso fan and broadcaster Ezra “Tshisa” Sibanda calling the statement “unprofessional”.

“l feel the press release itself was unprofessional and unnecessary. There should be questions why Highlanders responded formally to a social-media post without receiving an official proposal from Chivayo.

“In a normal professional environment, a press statement should only be issued after a formal approach or written communication from the benefactor.

“In this case, the club’s unsigned statement does not clearly indicate what exactly it was responding to, creating the impression of panic or confusion.”

Sibanda proceeded to accuse Highlanders of double standards by accepting over US$1million in funding from Chivayo for other things and then declining his latest offer.

“This could strain relations with Chivayo. I believe Highlanders should have simply sought a meeting with Chivayo, heard his offer, and then guided him through the club’s formal processes, instead of issuing a “rushed and passive” statement.

“This comes against the backdrop of Chivayo’s earlier US$1 million pledge to Highlanders, intended to assist with signing-on fees and the construction of a dura hall. At that time, the club gladly accepted his offer and publicly thanked him.

“Funds were administered through a curator, Mr Jabu Nkomo, with no money deposited directly into the club’s accounts. What has changed now. Chivayo’s conditions for assisting with Mwaruwari’s salary are seen as similar to those attached to his previous donation.

“The club’s leadership is guilty of double standards, inconsistency, and unnecessary hostility toward a benefactor offering help at a time when the club struggles financially. Pride ungelalutho yekelani,” Sibanda added.

Mwaruwari is currently coaching junior teams at Plymouth Argyle.