adminMzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO Chiefs FC coach Thulani “Thuts” Sibanda has been given a blank cheque to go on a shopping spree for new players in preparation for their maiden season in the Premier Soccer League. Club secretary-general Dumisani Mantula Sibanda confirmed that they had given their coach the nod to identify players of his choice.
“The administration has given the coach permission and support to sign new players, so it’s now up to the coach to determine whom he wants to rope into the squad,” he said.
On the budget, Sibanda said they had not set a figure but the coach was free to start identifying the talent.
“No limitation has been set on the budget for now but the coach can start preparing his team. Our target is to have the team in full swing by end of December,” he said.
The Plumtree-based outfit will be looking to impress in their maiden season to follow in the footsteps of Chicken Inn and How Mine who are on a fairytale run in the Mbada Diamonds Cup and league.
How Mine reinforced their squad with the likes Herbert Dick, Warren Dube, Mernard Mupera and captain fantastic Gilbert Banda in the off-season before embarking on their impressive campaign.
Bulawayo Chiefs will be keeping a close eye on most Premier League players who will be out of contract at the end of the season.
The club secretary said they have faith in their young coach Sibanda who led them into the Premiership.
He expressed satisfaction with some of the players in the side.
Some of the experienced players include Tedious Mugumanja, captain Lindani Ncube, former national Under-20 midfielder Proud Zireni, Innocent Kutsanzira, Wilberforce Chiramba and Kundishora Chanyuka.
Bulawayo Chiefs are contemplating changing their name to reflect that they are a club based in the border town.
They also plan to build a stadium before March next year which could take up to 6 000 fans.
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter