adminRicky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
HOW Mine FC are making frantic efforts to re-engage fired goalkeepers’ trainer Themba Sibanda, whom they released last month in the hope of signing Triangle United’s Tembo Chuma.
Chuma retraced his footsteps back to the Eastern Lowveld after reportedly failing to buy himself out of his contract with Triangle United, leaving How Mine stranded.
Chuma had been recommended to How Mine by Kelvin Kaindu, who will be in charge of the miners this season.
Kaindu is reportedly still sorting out some issues with Triangle United before he can eventually join How Mine, and in his absence, former Highlanders captain Bekithemba Ndlovu has been doubling up as caretaker coach and goalkeepers’ trainer.
How Mine chairman Paul Mac Andrew yesterday said they are working on re-hiring Sibanda, who has been in charge of their goalkeepers since 2013 when they won promotion into the topflight.
“When the year started, we thought we were going to appoint a new goalkeepers’ coach (Chuma), but there were some glitches and now we are in the process of recalling the guy who was there,” said Mac Andrew.
A source within How Mine said some club administrators wanted former Dynamos’ goalkeepers’ trainer Tichaona Diya to take the vacant job at least for a year, but because of a tight budget, it was resolved to re-engage Sibanda.
“The club wanted new people altogether, but because of issues to do with signing on fees, it was felt why not continue with Sibanda because he has done a good job in producing a national team goalkeeper in the form of Donovan Bernard. Besides, the club feels his demands are better than someone new and he will only be here for a year with Chuma coming next season when his contract with Triangle United ends,” said a source.
Should Sibanda, a former Amazulu goalkeeper, make a return to How Mine, he will be the only surviving member of the club’s technical team that led the miners to their maiden Premiership appearance in 2013.
At How Mine, the former Usuthu shot stopper has worked under Philani Mabhena, Philani “Beefy” Ncube, Luke Masomere and stand-in coaches Jeremiah Makota and Sheunesu Chaka.
Meanwhile, Mac Andrew has allayed fears that the unavailability of Kaindu will affect their 2016 preparations.
“I reiterate that we’re closing in on the person we want, but I can’t tell you the name because there are some issues that are still outstanding. Last week we thought we were done with the process, but things took a drastic turn and we are now expecting to conclude everything next week,” said Mac Andrew.
“Considering that the league is only starting in April, I believe there’s still enough time for the coach to apply his philosophy.”
Chronicle Sport has it on good authority that Kaindu’s imminent move to How Mine has been delayed because of outstanding contractual issues with Triangle United.
The former Highlanders coach is said to have travelled to Triangle last Friday in an attempt to finalise his departure.
Online Reporter