“Highlanders lied to me” – South African coach Thabo Senong speaks following Mwaruwari’s appointment

Following the appointment of Benjani Mwaruwari as the new Highlanders coach, South African coach Thabo Senong has broken his silence on what happened between him and the club.

Senong was unveiled as Highlanders’ new coach earlier this month, but his stay at the club did not last, as Benjani Mwaruwari quickly replaced him.

The South African gaffer only spent five days in Zimbabwe before he was ordered to leave the country by immigration officers on the basis that he was only allowed to return once his work permit was completed.

During his absence, Bosso went on to appoint Warriors legend Benjani Mwaruwari as the club’s new head coach.

“I was ordered to leave the country on short notice, with only two hours to comply, and they said they would notify me when to come back once my work permit was sorted.

“What surprised me is that I was given 30 days by the same immigration officials when I arrived in their country, and the funny part is that a new coach was appointed following this incident.

“So, yeah, I am disappointed because Highlanders lied to me; they should have been honest enough regarding the whole situation,” said Senong in an interview on Metro FM in South Africa.

The former Sekhukhune United coach signed a two-year contract with Highlanders, which is supposed to run out in December 2027.

After Mwaruwari’s appointment, Bosso offered Senong the opportunity to work as an assistant to Mwaruwari, an offer which he turned down.

“Highlanders then wanted me to work as Benjani’s assistant, but I could not do that because the coach has his own philosophy, so I felt he needed his own room.”

“Currently, we are negotiating for a contract termination, so my handlers are in touch with the club,” added Senong.

Highlanders breached their contract agreement with Senong, and if the coach decides to escalate the issue to FIFA, Bosso might be in hot soup.

Two weeks ago, the Bulawayo giants were reported to FIFA by former coach Pieter De Jong for not honouring their contractual agreements.