THABO Senong has walked into Highlanders with a clear brief, steady the club, blend youth with experience, and build a high performance culture that can lift Bosso back where they believe they belong.
At the centre of that plan is the possible involvement of former Zimbabwe international Benjani Mwaruwari, whose global journey could add weight and direction to a rebuilding project that is still finding its feet. Senong has welcomed the idea, convinced Benjani’s experience would fit neatly into a structure focused on youth development and tactical sharpness.
Speaking in an interview with Thabiso Mosioa on Radio 2000 in South Africa, Senong, who will be assisted by former Highlanders player Mkhokheli Dube, laid out his thinking on the technical team he is putting together. It includes an assistant coach from South Africa and a video analyst.
“On Benjani, it is some of the aspects that are being discussed at the club. I had a one-hour chat with Benjani while I was still in South Africa just before Afcon. Recently he was also at Afcon in Morocco as one of the ambassadors and he is back in the UK. We are still in contact, and he should be back in Zimbabwe soon. He will help us with his expertise, maybe assisting in a technical advisory role or sporting directorship. We all know his achievements as a footballer around the globe, so I am sure we can learn from him because he has been exposed to the game at the highest level,” said Senong.
The coach also spoke warmly about his new assistant, Dube.
“Excellent interactions. Our conversations started when I was still in South Africa. We spent a lot of time together. You will know he did not only play for Highlanders, he is a legend, but also a scholar of the game. He played in South Africa for AmaZulu and also in the United States.
“He has been involved in youth football for the past decade, assisting in player recruitment. I am bringing one assistant and one video analyst. We want to create a high performance environment so everyone reaches their potential.”
Senong, a former South Africa Under 20 national team coach, replaces Pieter De Jongh, whose contract expired last December. He signed a two-year deal and described the move to Zimbabwe’s oldest club as a significant undertaking.
“It’s an honour to be here in Zimbabwe. We all know that Bosso is a big team, not only in Zimbabwe but also known around the continent. But last season they just survived relegation. So, it’s a big holistic project,” he said.
Highlanders’ history and identity weighed heavily in his decision.
“Highlanders is one of the biggest clubs in the Cosafa region, with a rich history and heritage. They have been an institution here in Zimbabwe, producing top players like Peter Ndlovu and Teenage Hadebe. The supporters are die hard fans and football lovers. It is an honour and I am extremely humbled to be part of such a project and to try to help the club become competitive again.”
Restoring competitiveness sits at the heart of Senong’s plan, alongside a renewed focus on youth.
“The team survived relegation on the last day of the season last year. We have to get the team back to competing at the top. The club is committed to developing its own players, which allows me to work closely with youth and academy coaches. We want a team with a balanced mix of youth and experience.”
He also pointed to leadership changes off the pitch, singling out the appointment of young chief executive Denzel Mnkandla as a sign of forward thinking.
“Having a young CEO who has experience with FC Platinum shows the club is evolving with the game,” he said.
Senong has since returned to South Africa as he waits for his work permit, after spending time in Bulawayo last week to familiarise himself with the club.
“I have not had a chance to rest, but it has been intense and hectic. There is so much to do regarding planning, recruitment of players and staff.
“The reception at Highlanders has been good. I want to thank all the officials and everyone involved. We are just weeks away from the start of the season, so it’s important to start preparing the team and players.”
Senong returned to South Africa on Friday and will resume duties once his paperwork is complete.
Highlanders have also confirmed the departure of eight players whose contracts expired on 31 December, among them McKinnon Mushore, Nqobile Ndlovu, Mthabisi Ncube, Honest Mhlanga, Learnmore Muyambo, Melikhaya Ncube, Martin Nhubu and Atusaye Nyondo.
The club has moved early in the transfer market, securing midfielder Mongameli Tshuma and defender Tawanda Shenje from Hwange, Rayton Chuma from Nust FC and Royn Nyamono from Bikita Minerals. Goalkeeper Pride Zendera is also on board, while midfielders Brian Jaravaza, Shepherd Mhlanga, Shelton Moyo and Rainsome Pavari continue to be linked with Bosso.
