Wicknell Chivayo Proposes Benjani Mwaruwari as Highlanders Coach, Offers to Pay Full Contract

Wicknell Chivayo Proposes Benjani Mwaruwari as Highlanders Coach, Offers to Pay Full Contract

Well-known businessman Wicknell Chivayo has revealed that he has formally proposed Benjani Mwaruwari for the vacant Highlanders FC coaching position.

He offered to personally underwrite the former Warriors captain’s full contract should the club appoint him.

Posting on his Facebook account, Wicknell Chivayo said he recently hosted Zimbabwean football icons Benjani Mwaruwari and Harlington Shereni for breakfast at his home — a meeting he described as one of the “most cherishable moments” of his life.

“This past Saturday I had one of the MOST CHERISHABLE moments of my life when I hosted two of Zimbabwe’s MOST ICONIC footballers at my home for breakfast, the legendary BENJAMIN MWARUWARU and HARLINGTON SHERENI. Fondly known as “BENJANI” by his legion of supporters across the world, Mkoma Benji (as I call him ) took me on a beautiful journey through his ILLUSTRIOUS football career.”

He praised Mwaruwari’s decorated career, which saw him rise from local football to Europe where he played for AJ Auxerre, Portsmouth, Manchester City, Sunderland, and Blackburn Rovers before returning to South Africa.

A Coaching Idea Sparked Over Conversation

Chivayo said the discussions touched on Highlanders’ recent decision to part ways with coach Pieter de Jongh, prompting him to explore whether Mwaruwari would consider taking over at Bosso.

According to Chivayo, Mwaruwari expressed interest — on condition that Chivayo personally guarantees his contractual package. Chivayo said he found the request fair given the striker’s reputation and global football exposure.

Offer Includes Car, Salary and Benefits

Chivayo said he has since made a formal submission to Highlanders’ leadership, proposing Mwaruwari for the job through the club’s internal governance structures.

He pledged that, outside his existing US$1 million sponsorship, he would fund:

A brand-new car of Mwaruwari’s choice
Full monthly salary and benefits
All contractual guarantees for the duration of his stay

Chivayo emphasised that these commitments would only apply if Highlanders choose Mwaruwari. However, the main sponsorship package would remain intact regardless of the club’s decision.

A Push for Local Expertise

The businessman argued that Mwaruwari’s international pedigree combined with his understanding of Zimbabwean football culture makes him an ideal candidate.

He said foreign coaches, predominantly white, have not delivered the expected results at Bosso, adding that Mwaruwari’s appointment would align with the national mantra, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.”

Honouring the Legacy of John Landa Nkomo

Chivayo also positioned his proposal as part of his philanthropic work and in honour of the late former Vice President John Landa Nkomo, a passionate Highlanders supporter.

“As part of my philanthropic work, and in honour of the legacy of the late VP JOHN LANDA NKOMO, who was a lifelong and passionate supporter of BOSSO, I tabled this offer for their consideration. With the iconic BENJANI MWARUWARI at the helm, I believe BOSSO has what it takes to reclaim glory in the 2026 Premier League season.”