Mwaruwari: Pressure mounts on Premier League legend

Pressure is mounting on former Premier League star-turned-coach Benjani Mwaruwari at Zimbabwean giants Highlanders FC.

The start to his reign at the club that is affectionately called Bosso has not been rosy for the former Manchester City FC forward. He is yet to win in three Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches, all ending in draws.

Following a goalless draw with MWOS FC on Wednesday in his third Castle Lager PSL match, Highlanders fans could not stomach it any longer. The supporters threw missiles on Mwaruwari at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.

Why Highlanders FC fans turned on Mwaruwari

The supporters were unhappy with the Premier League legend’s delays to introduce star winger Kudakwashe Mahachi during the Castle Lager PSL encounter.

Mwaruwari only threw the former Mamelodi Sundowns star into action seconds late. The referee blew the final whistle before Mahachi could touch the ball. This did not please the fans who reacted angrily on the former Portsmouth FC forward-turned coach.

In a post-match interview with the media as shared on Facebook page Fanzone, the Warriors star justified his delayed introduction of Mahachi.

Mwaruwari defends delayed introduction of Mahachi

“Shelton [Sibanda] got injured in the first half, and we had exhausted all our attacking options, so at that moment, we were under pressure,” Mwaruwari said.

“Even the fans wanted me to change, but we couldn’t do it because I had put Prince [Ndlovu], Akimu [Nkomo], Maninja, and then the only option left was to take out Monga [Mongameli Tshuma], but he who was our best player.

“That is why I had to plead with the fans that I couldn’t. If I took out a defender and we conceded, then it could have been a problem. At that moment, we needed to balance things up.

“For a coach, it is difficult. I couldn’t. I know the fans wanted three points, but we need to balance emotions. I wanted to take out Monga, I know he was tired, but he was our best player, and that is why I didn’t change,” he added.

Things are looking tough for the former Jomo Cosmos, who has collected three points from three games. His next three opponents are even tougher as Highlanders will be up against Simba Bhora, FC Platinum and holders Scottland FC.

Mwaruwari is making a return into coaching after he was sacked barely three games into his job yet with another Castle Lager PSL side Ngezi Platinum in 2022.