Chronicle Editor
Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
NILTON Terroso returned to take charge of Bulawayo Chiefs’ training yesterday at Luveve Stadium as they started their build-up to the league game against Manica Diamonds, five days after walking out of a session.
A bust up, leading to an exchange of words with welfare manager Farai Sibanda saw the gaffer walk out. Terroso was furious at the former for reporting alleged drunk players to the club’s management.
Striker Obriel Chirinda, midfielder Hugh Chikosa and defender Malvin Mkolo were alleged to have been intoxicated on the morning of their league game against Ngezi Platinum Stars. Chiefs went on to lose that away encounter 1-0 at Ngezi.
The Chiefs coach missed Thursday and Friday training sessions before he expressed regret to the club’s management for his conduct at the training.
The Portuguese gaffer had to watch Chiefs knock Bosso out Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals from the terraces in the company of his family and club director Lovemore Sibanda.
But yesterday, Terroso looked his usual self, bubbly as he took his players through their paces with the assistance of Thulani Sibanda, goalkeepers’ trainer Nkosiyazi Juice Ncube and Abraham Mbaiwa, the fitness trainer.
Chiefs spokesperson Thulani “Javas” Sibanda brushed aside last week’s bust up at the training ground.
“Coach Nilton is back at training as you can see and the focus is on our next game against Manica Diamonds. What you are asking about (Terroso walking out of training and missing the game against Highlanders) is water under the bridge just like winning against Highlanders is now history. We don’t want to dwell on the past but to focus on our next game,” the Chiefs media officer said.
However, club sources said a series of meetings were held between Terroso and the management in which the coach unreservedly apologised and withdrew his statement that he was quitting the club.
The impeccable sources said it was also resolved that the squad that had done duty at Ngezi be retained, with the input of Terroso.
Chiefs secretary Dumisani Mantula-Sibanda who is also the management spokesperson said they have resolved issues with Terroso.
“Yes, there was a glitch or a misunderstanding at training last week and you reported that the coach walked but that has been resolved. At Chiefs, when something happens at training, we attend to those guided by our own code. It’s not like Terroso was suspended for the Highlanders game because no suspension letter was written.
“As management we felt that there was a need for all parties to engage each other and deal with the matter before the coach resumes his duties.
“As you can see, he is here doing his head coach duties with his assistants working with him. We’re all geared up for the game,” said Mantula-Sibanda.
“They took turns playing half ground, while those who were not involved in the activities jogged around the fields.
Only striker Farau Matare who picked a knock on his left foot during the Highlanders clash did not take part in the fine tuning session on instruction of club’s medical team. — @ZililoR
Online Reporter