Chapungu clear air on Tapera

Sports Reporter
CAF A Licence holder John Nyikadzino is in charge of Chapungu Football Club and may, at his own will, consult Jairos Tapera on any technical issues, the airmen’s chairman Ackroid Moyo has said.

Speaking on the sidelines of his team’s 1-1 draw with Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday, Moyo said Nyikadzino is in charge of Chapungu while Tapera who is the national Under-20 coach is an advisor to the team’s leadership.

He said they have faith in Nyikadzino who saved Chapungu from being relegated last season.

There were fears within the club that by bringing Tapera in the technical department Chapungu’s executive was creating two centres of power which could have created discord.

“Jairos Tapera is only an advisor to the executive but John (Nyikadzino) is fully in charge of the technical issues. It’s up to John to consult Tapera on any technical issues should he need his input. John helped us survive relegation last season and there’s no way we can abandon him thus we’ve given him full control over the squad,” said Moyo.

Tapera failed to save Shabanie Mine from sinking after joining the Zvishavane side following the end of his contract as head of junior development at FC Platinum.

Prior to Chapungu’s friendly match against Highlanders, Tapera had been reported to have joined the airmen but was conspicuous by his absence on the technical bench with Nyikadzino confirming that he has been in charge of all their pre-season training.

Nyikadzino has beefed his squad bringing on board Tendai Mukambi (from Chicken Inn), Smart Muchabaya and Marvellous Dikinya from relegated Shabanie Mine, former Hwange and Caps United striker Tongai Magwendere, winger Nhlanhla Ncube (Black Mambas) and Simon Njeleza who was plying his trade with Black Boots.

“About the engagement of technical director I haven’t heard anything from management but since the start of the year I have been working on getting our squad in shape. Things are slowly coming up and we want to improve from last season by being among the top eight clubs when the season ends. I have identified and brought in a number of guys with Premiership experience who will help our cause and we’re looking forward to a good season,” said Nyikadzino.