Benjani Overhaul Begins at Bosso as Highlanders Part Ways with Soma-Phiri

Rewritten article:

Highlanders Football Club have begun a major shake-up of their technical set-up after parting ways with former midfielder Amini Soma-Phiri, as newly appointed head coach Benjani Mwaruwari reshapes his backroom team ahead of the 2026 Premier Soccer League season.

The changes come soon after Bosso unveiled Mwaruwari, a former Warriors and Manchester City striker, as head coach following the departure of Dutch tactician Pieter de Jongh. Popularly known as “The Undertaker,” Benjani is expected to spearhead a revival at the Bulawayo giants after a disappointing 2025 campaign.

Bruce Tshuma has been appointed team manager, while Mkhokheli “Mshoza” Dube joins the technical bench as assistant coach, replacing Try Ncube.

Club chairman Kenneth Mhlophe confirmed that Highlanders have also released fitness trainer Abraham Mbaiwa and goalkeepers’ coach Tembo Chuma. Mbaiwa has since joined Kelvin Kaindu at newly promoted Hardrock FC, while Chuma has moved to MWOS. Their roles will now be filled by Majahawodwa Ndlovu, with a former Highlanders junior goalkeeper expected to complete the technical team.

“Following the disappointing conclusion of the 2025 season, management undertook a comprehensive review of the technical department,” said Mhlophe during the club’s annual general meeting. “After extensive consultations, the club appointed Benjani Mwaruwari as head coach for the 2026 season.”

He added that the appointment followed challenges in finalising a deal with Thabo Senong, prompting management to explore alternative options.

“Additional appointments and departures were effected within the technical team with the objective of strengthening capacity, improving performance standards, and restoring competitiveness in the 2026 season,” Mhlophe said.

Meanwhile, Bosso 90 will continue to serve as Highlanders’ primary feeder team despite narrowly avoiding relegation last season. Mhlophe said the club remains committed to youth development as a long-term strategy.

“The team survived relegation, and management is optimistic about improved performances going forward. Youth development is envisaged to become the backbone of Highlanders Football Club,” he said.

Currently, about five Bosso 90 players are training with the first team and undergoing assessment, with the possibility that some could be registered for PSL action in the coming season.