South African coach takes over at Zimbabwean giants | OneFootball

Zim heavyweights appoint SA coach

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Zimbabwean giants Highlanders FC have confirmed the appointment of South African coach Thabo Senong as the club's new head coach.

The 45-year-old succeeds Dutch trainer Pieter de Jongh, who was relieved of his duties last month after a lackluster performance in the second half of the season.

‘Bosso’ as the Zim heavyweights are popularly known, finished the 2025 Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (PSL) season in 11th place with 39 points from 34 games.

Highlanders drew their last six league outings - a testament to a below-par campaign as they seek for their first league title since 2006.

Now, the club is set to usher into a new era with Senong at the forefront of affairs on the field, and will be assisted by former Highlanders and AmaZulu FC striker Mkhokheli Dube.

“Highlanders Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Thabo Senong as the club's new Head Coach, alongside the return of Mkhokheli Dube as Assistant Coach,” read the club statement.

"Coach Senong brings a wealth of experience at elite-level football, having worked with the South African senior and under-20 national teams, the Lesotho senior men's national team, and achieved notable success at youth level, including winning the COSAFA Cup in 2013.

"His strong background in youth development, tactical organization and team building makes him a valuable addition to the Bosso technical team.

With compatriots Rulani Mokwena, Fadlu Davids, Steve Barker, and Morena Ramoreboli having made inroads across the African continent, it remains to be seen how Senong will fare in Zim.