“I Was Given 2 Hours To Leave Zimbabwe”: SA Coach Thabo Senong Speaks On Abrupt Departure From Highlanders

‘I Left My Bags Behind’: Senong On Sudden Highlanders Departure

South African coach Thabo Senong says he was left stunned after being told he had less than two hours to leave Zimbabwe, only days after being unveiled as Highlanders head coach. The former Bafana Bafana tactician has now spoken publicly about the events that led to his abrupt exit from the Bulawayo giants, describing a sudden reversal that followed his signing of a two-year contract in early December 2025.

Senong broke his silence in an interview on South Africa’s Metro FM, shedding light on what he says happened behind closed doors at Bosso in early January 2026.

Contract Signed, Plans Made, Then A Sudden Turn

Senong told Metro FM that he had fully committed to the job after signing his contract in early December 2025 and had spent the entire month preparing for the pre-season.

“I travelled to Bulawayo on 5 January and was officially announced as the new head coach.”

He said problems began specifically during the work permit application process, which triggered a dramatic change in the club’s direction.

“During the process of applying for the work permit, that’s when all the developments started to unfold. I was engaged by the club’s CEO regarding some changes that were being pushed at the club. The financial backers felt they wanted the club to have a local coach.”

Senong said the name of former Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari was then proposed as the new preferred head coach.

The Ultimatum: A Two-Hour Dash To The Border

After this change, Highlanders proposed that Senong take up a different role within the technical team. Senong explained his decision to decline the demotion.

“The CEO then made some suggestions, including that I become the assistant coach or take up a technical director role. I was looking forward to leading the team and had already been involved in restructuring the squad, so it was disappointing to be asked to take on another role just to satisfy the financial backers.”

He added:

“I have no problem working in any capacity, but I felt it was unfair.”

With the head coach role rescinded, Senong’s immigration status became precarious. He claims the club then delivered a staggering ultimatum to avoid potential visa violations.

“I was given less than two hours to leave the country.”

This forced a frantic departure. Senong revealed he was compelled to leave personal belongings behind in Bulawayo, which remain under the club’s custody, and confirmed he is still navigating the formal termination of his contract from abroad.

Sponsorship, Denials, And A Coach’s Disappointment

The saga unfolded alongside increased scrutiny of the club’s sponsorship. Businessman Wicknell Chivayo, cited as a key financial backer, recently donated over US$600,000 (approx. R11.4 million) to Highlanders. This included US$300,000 (approx. R5.7 million) in cash, vehicles, and a new team bus. Chivayo denied seeking control of the club, stating his role was purely that of a supporter.

Highlanders’ initial statement claimed Senong “had been advised by authorities to return to his home country while awaiting his work permit, in order to avoid violating his visa conditions.” Senong’s account reframes this advice as a direct, urgent order from the club.

The experience has left the coach deeply disappointed. He feels misled by the club’s handling of the entire situation, which moved from a formal contract signing to a rushed expulsion within weeks.