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Bruce Chikuni Sports Reporter
CAPS United coach, Lloyd Chitembwe, is probably the safest coach in the world after receiving total backing from the club’s president, Farai Jere.
Jere made his point during the unveiling of the new players and kit yesterday.
He described Chitembwe as the best coach available in the country, adding that it is a privilege to have him at the club.
Jere said he wants Chitembwe to be at CAPS United for as long as he lives.
Chitembwe has often faced heavy criticism from a section of the team’s fans for relying too much on the old players.
But Jere came to his defence, claiming responsibility and attributing the club’s shortcomings to financial challenges, which he said are now a thing of the past.
Jere narrated how he convinced Chitembwe to rejoin Makepeke from Harare City two seasons ago.
He also revealed that Chitembwe’s contract is running for the next five seasons.
“Chitembwe is very loyal to this brand because he responded to my call when I asked him to leave City for this club without fearing for our financial challenges.
“We have not been financially okay, but it’s no longer the same case. I will be the last to forget Chitembwe’s contributions to this club, he has sacrificed a lot for this team.
“As long as I’m available, Chitembwe will never leave this club. I have been in this office since 2004, and I know what is needed here,” said Jere.
He also showed appreciation for some of the constructive criticism the club gets from all corners of social media.
He said they went for Alois Bunjira’s son, Junior, after reading a post that suggested he was on his way to join Dynamos.
Jere also maintained that the club will only give chances to youngsters, who are in the class of Peter Ndlovu, Khama Billiat, and Tafadzwa Rusike.
“I don’t respond to what I see on social media about this club, but I also take note of clever suggestions.
“I drove to Bunjira’s house after seeing a post that claimed his son was on the verge of joining Dynamos. If it was not for that fan, maybe the boy could have joined DeMbare, but I’m happy that someone highlighted it and the boy is here with us.
“If you see us having trust in these old players, it means Academies are not ticking all the boxes in refining these youngsters, and there’s no coach who can ignore exceptional talent,” he said.
Bruce Kangwa, Lot Chiwunga, Ralph Kawondera and Brian Kadamanja are the high-profile players who were unveiled.
Meanwhile, Chitembwe felt appreciated by Jere’s remarks.
“I have always applied what I feel is best for this team every time, and sometimes things do not turn out as planned, but if you have your boss seeing what you are aiming to achieve, your work becomes easy.
“Those were big words, and I will continue trying my best to do what is best for this team.
“We have assembled a good squad, but I would be lying if I say I’m satisfied because you can only say that if you have Lionel Messi in your team.
“The preparations have been good, the players are responding well, especially the new players, and I cannot say much at the moment, but we have a good team,” said Chitembwe.
Online Reporter