adminRicky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
WARRIORS’ assistant coach Saul Chaminuka is close to sealing a deal with ambitious Zifa Southern Region Division One League side Talen Vision, less than two weeks after leaving Premiership new boys Border Strikers.
Chaminuka left Strikers following a string of poor results, which he blamed on poor management that included non-payment of players’ salaries and sign-on fees.
The ex-Buffaloes and ZPC Kariba gaffer yesterday watched Talen Vision’s training match against retired footballers and is expected to sign a deal today.
“We’re in talks with Chaminuka as we seek to bolster our technical department. He is brilliant and we as an ambitious club feel his experience will come in handy for our project. We’re hoping to conclude the deal today if he agrees to our offer,” said Mishon Tshabalala, Talen Vision’s secretary-general.
Talen Vision lie ninth on the league table with 14 points from 13 games and Chaminuka could be on the side’s technical bench for tomorrow’s game against Hwange Juniors.
He will take over from Saul Ndlovu, who will be reassigned as assistant coach. Ndlovu has been with Talen Vision since their formation in 2013.
Talen Vision trail leaders Amagagasi by 15 points and they would have to win all their remaining matches and hope teams above them drop points, if they’re to re-launch a title bid under Chaminuka.
Amagagasi are unlikely to drop points tomorrow when they take on table anchors Makomo at Chinotimba Stadium in Victoria Falls
The league leaders have 29 points from 12 games and are confident of returning to winning ways by adding Makomo to their list of casualties.
“Losing to ZPC Kariba last week was a minor setback and everyone is raring to go. We’re targeting maximum points on Saturday against Makomo even though we know that it won’t be a stroll in the park for us,” said Zibonele Ncube, Amagagasi’s coach.
Makomo, who are coached by ex-Highlanders striker Tapela Ngwenya, have found the 2016 season difficult, only managing eight points from 12 games.
Amagagasi are aware that an unlikely defeat against Makomo could cost them top spot in the event that second-placed Bantu Rovers beat ZRP Bulawayo at Fairbridge tomorrow.
Rovers are on 27 points, just two behind Amagagasi, and also have a game in hand.
The former Premiership side was supposed to its outstanding game against ZRP Hwange on Wednesday, but the police side didn’t pitch up at Fairbridge.
Meanwhile, Bosso 90 will curtain raise the Highlanders and Triangle United Premiership encounter on Sunday against Victoria Falls Tigers.
“The Highlanders supporters must come to the stadium on Sunday early so that they see their development side in action and what the future of the club is like. The boys might be finding it difficult in the lower league, but what is important is that they’re still developing and getting better challenges,” said Highlanders chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede.
Fixtures
Tomorrow: Black Boots v ZPC Hwange (Fairbridge), ZRP Bulawayo Province v Bantu Rovers (Fairbridge), Talen Vision v Hwange Juniors (Postponed), ZRP Hwange v Casmyn (Hwange), Indlovu Iyanyathela v Bulawayo Chiefs (Brady Barracks), Amagagasi v Makomo (Victoria Falls)
Sunday: Bosso 90 v Victoria Falls Tigers (Barbourfields, 12PM), Technosphere v Ntabazinduna (Hwange)
Wednesday: Bulawayo Chiefs v Ntabazinduna (White City), Talen Vision v Bosso 90 (Raylton), ZRP Bulawayo Province v Makomo (Fairbridge), Technosphere v Black Boots (Hwange)
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derick.khumalo