Chronicle Editor
Sports Reporter
CAPS United president, Farai Jere, has described returning coach Lloyd Chitembwe as one of the finest gaffers on the domestic football scene.
The Harare businessman said the coach will be given opportunity to beef up his squad when the transfer window opens to enable the Green Machine to challenge for honours.
Chitembwe is the most decorated Green Machine son in their history, having been involved in all the four league championships they have won, since Independence.
He won three league titles as a player, and one championship as a coach.
Chitembwe was officially unveiled as the Green Machine’s head coach at the National Sports Stadium yesterday on a three-year contract.
He returns together with his trusted lieutenants, Nelson Matongorere, who is the first assistant, and assistant coaches, Fungai “Toastao’’ Kwashi and Tonderai Marume.
Goalkeepers’ coach Zivanayi Kawadza and fitness trainer, Thulani Munzabwa, are the fresh appointments.
The gaffer returns for another stint following a two-year sojourn at Harare City.
He replaces his former assistant, Darlington Dodo, who was sacked last week, following a poor run in the Chibuku Super Cup.
Chitembwe is expected to turn around the club’s fortunes.
He led Makepekepe to their last league title in 2016.
“The expectations of Caps United fans are high and, as a brand, we need a coach with ambition,’’ said Jere.
“So, I would like to welcome coach Chitembwe today.
“He’s coming on a three-year contract. We want him to have a plan. We want him to come up with a team with players who have the character of winning.
“That’s what we want from him and we need to give him time.
“We are also happy the window is opening soon for the coach to bring in players he wishes to work with to restore
the Green Machine pride.’’
Jere said it was a new chapter in the history of the Green Machine.
“It is a special day for the Caps United family because Chitembwe has actually proved to be one of the greatest coaches we have around,’’ he said.
“His track record is there for everyone to see, from the time he was a player at Caps United, he is a guy who is ambitious.
“He wants results and when he became our coach, he won the championship with us.’’
Chitembwe said he was ready for the new challenge.
The unveiling ceremony had to be delayed by an hour as Chitembwe and his technical team were still locked in a meeting with Harare City.
The coach was completing the formalities of his move from the Sunshine Boys.
He took charge of their defeat, at the hands of Herentals, last Friday.
“I think it’s honour, and an opportunity, for me to be back,’’ he said. “I am looking forward to the challenge.
“I will certainly bring with me the motivation and energy I had as a player and the same motivation I had as a coach.
“I also believe the players will also share the same spirit and the discipline. To me football is my livelihood and I hope the players also see football the way I do.
“Caps United is an opportunity and I want to use Caps United as a vehicle to fulfil our dreams and aspirations. I am very happy and excited to be back.”
The coach yesterday had a double session with his players.
He spelt out his vision for the team.
Interestingly, Chitembwe had dismissed media reports, linking him with a return to the Green Machine, last Friday.
He said the reports were baseless and malicious.
However, when he was spotted at Nyamhunga the following day, in the company of former Caps United chief executive, Maxwell Mironga, the cat bolted out of the bag.
The duo watched the Green Machine start their new championship campaign with a goalless draw against ZPC Kariba.
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