Zimbabwean football icon Benjani Mwaruwari has completed a remarkable full-circle journey in the game after being appointed head coach of Highlanders FC, one of the country’s most storied clubs.
The former international striker, whose name once echoed across stadiums in Africa and Europe, now returns home carrying not just memories of goals and glory, but a wealth of experience shaped at the highest levels of world football.
Benjani’s journey began on the dusty pitches of Zimbabwe, where his raw talent and explosive pace quickly set him apart. His rise to prominence came at Jomo Cosmos in South Africa, a club renowned for nurturing African stars. It was there that his powerful finishing and tireless work rate caught the eye of European scouts, opening the door to a career few Zimbabwean players had ever achieved.
In France, Benjani made his mark with AJ Auxerre, adapting swiftly to the tactical demands of European football. His performances in Ligue 1 showcased a striker capable of combining physical strength with intelligent movement, earning him respect and recognition beyond Africa.
The next chapter took him to England, where he joined Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League. Facing some of the world’s best defenders week in and week out, Benjani proved he belonged at the elite level. His relentless pressing and eye for goal endeared him to fans and managers alike.
His career reached a historic peak when he signed for Manchester City, becoming one of the few Zimbabwean players to wear the sky-blue shirt at a time when the club was building its modern identity. At City, Benjani delivered memorable performances, including crucial goals that underlined his ability to shine on the biggest stage. He remains widely regarded as Zimbabwe’s most successful football export.
After hanging up his boots, Benjani resisted the temptation to drift away from the game. Instead, he quietly began laying the foundations for a coaching career. He undertook coaching education, gained experience working with young players, and learned the finer details of leadership, tactics and player management. Those close to him describe a man determined to give back to the game that shaped his life.
His appointment at Highlanders FC is therefore more than a managerial change — it is a statement of intent. For a club steeped in tradition and supported by one of the most passionate fan bases in Southern Africa, Benjani represents ambition, credibility and hope. His global exposure, professional discipline and understanding of modern football are expected to inject fresh energy into the Bulawayo giants.
As head coach, Benjani faces the challenge of translating elite-level experience into local success. Yet his journey — from Zimbabwean streets to the Premier League and back — positions him uniquely to inspire the next generation. Players under his guidance will not only be coached by a tactician, but mentored by a man who has lived their dream and conquered it.
For Benjani Mwaruwari, this new role marks the beginning of another chapter — not defined by goals scored, but by legacies built. And for Highlanders, it signals the dawn of a hopeful era led by a true son of Zimbabwean football.
