Chaminuka ‘suspended’

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
REIGNING Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Coach of the Year Saul Chaminuka and his assistant Godfrey Tamirepi were yesterday “suspended” for four matches over what the ZPC Kariba club management said were in-house problems. Former juniors coach Oliver Matava and manager Paul Chimalizani have been appointed acting head and assistant coaches respectively.

However, well placed sources within the power generators said the Under-23 coach has effectively been removed from the club with celebrated former Dynamos and Warriors player and coach Sunday Chidzambwa being lined up to take over.

Chidzambwa was recently pardoned for his involvement in the Asiagate scandal where he had been banned for life from all football activities by Zifa.

Said the source:

“Chaminuka and Tamirepi have failed twice to meet their contractual demands which was getting at least five points from three games and after the loss to Harare City on Wednesday, this was always coming. The ‘suspension’ is just playing democracy but the truth of the matter is that it’s all over for them.”

Fadzai Chisveto, ZPC Kariba spokesperson, refused to reveal the inhouse problems that resulted in the suspensions and said they would stand guided by the team’s executive on the duo’s future with the club.

“Whatever issues there are, we want to hear what the management will say. It’s them who will advise on the way forward. On Chidzambwa joining us, all I can say is that that is hearsay, nothing concrete,” she said.

ZPC Kariba, who finished runners up to Dynamos in their maiden season last year where they were pipped to the title on the last day of the campaign, lie 10th on the table with 10 points after winning two matches out of eight played so far.

They kicked off their season with a 2-0 win over Bulawayo giants Highlanders at Gwanzura Stadium before holding Hwange to a thrilling 3-3 away draw. They then hammered Buffaloes 5-2 in game three and since then, life has not been rosy for them. Chaminuka recently was in the media blaming fatigue for his team’s poor performance even though they did wonders last season.