adminHe has been replaced by former Maritzburg United coach Ian Palmer who takes over with immediate effect with a possibility of renewal at the end of the 2012/13 season.
Chidzambwa is one of the 15 Zimbabwean players and officials who were recently banned for life from all football activities by Zifa. The South African side seems to feel that his continued presence in the team will be distracted by the ban. They have instead given him a role as technical director amid concerns that he could be lost to football for life.
The club though says it is fully behind the legendary sports personality who took Zimbabwe to their maiden Nations Cup finals in Tunisia in 2004.
Leopards chairman David Thidiela says the club will stand by the former Dynamos player and coach despite the Asiagate reports.
“Sunday is still our main man at Leopards and he is not going anywhere,” Thidiela said in a statement soon after the unveiling of Palmer at Gold Reef City yesterday afternoon.
“We have read about Asiagate in newspapers. So Chidzambwa will take over a higher position (technical director). Abel Makhubela remains assistant coach and both coaches (Palmer and Makhubele) will report to Chidzambwa.”
Fifa are yet to act on the findings and Zifa’s sanctions as they are waiting for a full and detailed report from Zifa.
Chidzambwa is one of those who rubbished the Zifa Independent Ethics Committee led by retired Justice Ebrahim and even questioned the composition of the team. He refused to appear before the committee.
Once Fifa endorses the sanctions, they will have a worldwide effect.
The world football governing body has asked Zifa to furnish them with more information before taking action.
Last week three Guatamala players had their life bans imposed by their football association for match-fixing endorsed by Fifa.
Fifa’s decision was taken following receipt of the case file, and is in accordance with article 136 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code.
Online Reporter