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Ngqwele Dube Sports Correspondent
HIGHLANDERS’ supporters have thrown their weight behind new coach, Bongani Mafu with the majority saying the mentor should be given every opportunity to fully prove his worth at the helm of the oldest football institution in the country. Although a few fans expressed some misgivings about his appointment, most felt the former Zimbabwe Saints gaffer should be given all the support he needed by all at Highlanders.
Mafu was unveiled as Bosso coach on Tuesday, replacing Zambian Kelvin Kaindu who was prematurely forced out last September following the teams’ string of poor results.
In a Sunday News Sport snap survey yesterday fans across Bulawayo expressed divergent views on the appointment although most felt Mafu should receive the necessary support from the Highlanders’ family.
Mkhululi Twala of Lobengula said the fact that Mafu did not have a Bosso background was neither here nor there and that would not be an inhibiting factor, more so if he (Mafu) ensured that his assistants were of the “right colour’’ who were “privy” to the Highlanders’ culture and traditions.
Twala said Mafu had the right credentials to do a good job at Bosso after furthering his coaching knowledge in the United Kingdom and thereafter attaining a Uefa B certificate.
Entumbane’s Mehluli Sibanda, however, was of the opinion that former Bosso coach Rahman Gumbo was the ideal candidate for arguably the hotest seat in local football.
“Now that Mafu is in I feel he should seek younger players instead of relying on old horses who have been a liability at the club this season. We need youngsters who have got the pace and the hunger,” said Sibanda.
Luveve 5 resident Themba Nyoni also felt that Mafu’s qualification would enable him to come right in the league. His sentiments where echoed by Rabson Masuku of Cowdray Park, who said:
“When I looked at his surname, checked where he grew up, read about his passion for Bosso, learnt that he once worked with the juniors, I accepted his appointment and that he will identify the best youngsters who can deliver.’’
Julius Zalimba of Luveve 5 said although he did not know much about the new coach, there was no need to write him off before he started his work and that it was critical for Mafu to maintain Bosso’s style of play, which was entertaining while at the same time winning games.
“Bosso is well known for its great style of play that encompasses passing football and is entertaining, hence he (Mafu) is advised not to deviate from that. Mafu certainly needs our support and we will give it to him but he has to deliver the results. We need to see him in action before we can say much about him,’’ said Zalimba.
“Another important thing he should do is groom younger players and fuse them with the old and experienced ones to create a good team.’’
Bongani Dungeni of Makokoba, however, said he doubted Mafu’s credentials because he lacked the necessary experience to take Highlanders to the Promised Land.
He felt Madinda Ndlovu was the best candidate to take over as he could assemble a good squad and had an eye for talent and the former Bosso coach would be able to deal with the gross indiscipline that had reared its ugly head among the players at the club in the past season.
“I feel it is time for a club like Highlanders to engage a coach with a clear track record instead of engaging coaches who were out to experiment, hoping to enrich their CVs. We are at a point where we cannot take any disappointment in terms of winning the league,’’ said Dungeni, adding:
“I think Mandla ‘Lulu’ Mpofu can make a good assistant to Mafu and should be considered for the job.”
Farai Moyo said it was preposterous to judge Mafu before he started work while Bhekinkosi Dlodlo said the new coach’s qualifications made him the right coach to bring back the smiles at Bosso.
Dynamos fan Rodger Dye “Murehwa” Trechsen weighed in saying his side was ready to take on Highlanders, responding to a declaration by Mafu that other teams would struggle to beat the Bosso team he will coach.
Highlanders has not won a competitive league match against Dynamos in eight years and Bosso fans are eager to find a coach who can rescue them from that misery.
Murehwa said Mafu could bring it on, but DeMbare were ready to continue with their dominance over Bosso.
“Mafu is young and he has got good qualifications and maybe that will assist him in his quest but we are ready to continue with our dominance over Bosso,” he said.
Mafu is yet to appoint the rest of the technical bench in consultation with the club executives.
Online Reporter