CHIRAGWI’S JOB IS SAFE

Don Makanyanga

COACH of the Year, Takesure Chiragwi, has received the backing of his employers despite Ngezi Platinum’s slow start to the season.

The champions have made a poor start in their bid to retain the title they bravely won last year.

And, naturally, the spotlight has fallen on Chiragwi.

The Ngezi management added ex-Herentals coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziwa, to work as his assistant, at the start of the year.

Despite Ngezi being in 12th place, and five points behind early leaders Highlanders, after five games, the club chiefs yesterday reiterated they were behind their coach.

“It is only a bad patch that we are going through and the coach has the full support the club as we believe that we will find our rhythm very soon,” said Ngezi vice-president (technical) Lysias Chiwozva.

He added:

“There are some stories where they say, no, Chiragwi is gone.

“People don’t understand the club’s strategic thrust, Chiragwi is part of the team.

“In fact, when we engaged Mutiwekuziva, I took him and had a meeting with him and I said, show me a foolish vice-president of a club who, after winning the league, then fires the coach?

“Show me that board?

“I don’t think there is any such board,” said Chiwozva

He said plans were underway for the club to attach Chiragwi, together with his assistant, to an international club as part of the Ngezi long-term plans.

“The plan which we had, which unfortunately we are going to do in retrospect, is to take our head coach to international destinations, which we have already listed.

“We have already approached and been approached by some regional and international clubs who are willing to partner our structures.

“The plan was for Chiragwi and his assistant to go to two destinations in Europe and destinations in South Africa and understand what happens at FC Porto.

“What happens at Manchester United? What happens at Arsenal. What happens at Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and the likes,’’ he said.

The champions are back for league duties tomorrow when they face high-flying Highlanders at Baobab.