Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari has reportedly gone three months without pay. The delay followed a breakdown in the club’s payment chain. The 47-year-old joined the Bulawayo club in January. However, he has received only one salary payment.
Additionally, several contractual obligations remain unmet. These include a phone, laptop, match bonuses, and accommodation.
Sponsorship Structure Under Scrutiny
Meanwhile, a tense meeting took place last week. Mwaruwari met chief executive Denzil Mnkandla. However, the meeting ended without any resolution.
Mnkandla reportedly stated the club was not responsible for the delays. As a result, attention shifted to the sponsorship structure. The dispute highlights Wicknell Chivayo’s US$1 million sponsorship deal for 2026. Notably, funds do not go directly to the club. Instead, lawyers and curator Jabulani Nkomo control disbursements. This process has raised accountability concerns.
“Every month the club must generate a note to Nkomo listing what is due to the coach, including results-based bonuses,” said a source familiar with the arrangement.
“Nkomo in turn, instructs Chivayo’s lawyer to execute payment. It appears that the process has broken down somewhere and is creating this unfortunate situation.”
Club Frustration and On-Field Performance
Consequently, club officials have expressed growing frustration. One official spoke anonymously due to the matter’s sensitivity. The official said the club prefers direct fund transfers. This would improve transparency and audit accountability.
However, Mnkandla, Mwaruwari, and Nkomo declined to comment. Despite these issues, Mwaruwari remains unbeaten this season. However, he has drawn all seven league matches so far.
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