Highlanders FC coach Benjani Mwaruwari has reportedly gone three months without pay, highlighting growing concerns over the club’s sponsorship payment system.
The former Zimbabwe international, who took charge of the Bulawayo giants in January, is understood to have received only one salary payment since his appointment. Other contractual obligations — including provision of equipment, accommodation, and match bonuses — also remain outstanding.
The issue has been linked to the structure of a US$1 million sponsorship deal from businessman Wicknell Chivayo for the 2026 season.
Payment chain concerns
Unlike conventional sponsorship arrangements, the funds are not paid directly into the club’s account.
Instead, payments are reportedly processed through intermediaries, including Chivayo’s lawyers and a curator, Jabulani Nkomo, who oversees the disbursement process.
According to sources, the club is required to submit monthly payment requests detailing the coach’s salary and performance-related bonuses, which are then authorised before funds are released.
However, this system appears to have broken down, leading to delays.
“It appears that process has broken down somewhere and is creating this unfortunate situation,” a source familiar with the arrangement said.
Club insiders have expressed frustration with the structure, suggesting a preference for direct control of sponsorship funds to ensure accountability and timely payments.
Internal tensions
The issue came to a head during a recent meeting between Mwaruwari and club chief executive Denzil Mnkandla, which reportedly ended without resolution.
Mnkandla is said to have indicated that the club was not responsible for the delays.
Neither the coach, club officials nor the curator have commented publicly on the matter.
On-field performance
Despite the off-field challenges, Mwaruwari has remained unbeaten in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season, although his side has drawn all seven matches played so far.
The former Manchester City striker has previously voiced frustration over operational issues at the club, including delays in securing a work permit for Zambian forward Isaac Ngoma.
Ngoma has since made his debut, while the club recently appointed Culvin Mavunga as performance analyst — another concern raised by the coach.
Wider implications
The situation has raised broader questions about governance and financial management structures in football sponsorship deals, particularly where third-party intermediaries are involved.
For Highlanders, the priority now remains resolving the payment issues while maintaining stability both on and off the pitch.
