South African coach Thabo Senong is among the leading candidates to coach Highlanders Football Club. Reports from Zimbabwe suggest the club is adopting a new leadership structure. Under this model, Benjani Mwaruwari will handle long-term planning. Meanwhile, Senong would take charge on the touchline.
According to the Chronicle, the club will announce a final decision after key discussions. Mwaruwari and Senong must first agree on how they will jointly manage the project. Sources say Senong plans to appoint his preferred assistant and an analyst. In addition, the club will include a local coach as second assistant. This approach aims to balance international expertise with local football knowledge.
Board Backs New Technical Structure
This development follows intense internal debate over the team’s leadership direction. Club benefactor Wicknell Chivayo wanted Mwaruwari appointed as head coach. He reportedly offered to personally cover Mwaruwari’s salary. However, the Highlanders board rejected that proposal.
Instead, they appointed Mwaruwari as technical director.
As a result, he now controls the head coach selection process.
Senong’s Experience and Highlanders’ Current Struggles
Senong brings extensive coaching experience from across southern Africa. He previously coached Singida Fountain Gate in Tanzania.
He also managed the Lesotho national team. Additionally, Senong worked within Orlando Pirates’ youth structures. He later guided South Africa’s Under-20 national side.
His disciplined, youth-driven philosophy aligns with Mwaruwari’s football vision. Meanwhile, Highlanders remain one of Zimbabwe’s most historic clubs. The Bulawayo-based giants enjoyed major success during the 1990s and early 2000s. However, recent seasons have proven difficult.
In the 2025 PSL campaign, Highlanders finished 11th.
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