Chunga bounces back into club football

Innocent Muchochomi in CHEGUTU

IN a bid to make a quick return to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, Chegutu Pirates have turned to the vastly experienced Moses “Bambo’’ Chunga to steer their ship.

It is also the first time in nearly a decade that Chunga will be taking charge of a club, having spent the last few years largely involved with sourcing and administering resources for his academy.

A Premiership championship-winning coach with the now-defunct Gunners, Chunga, who has also seen duty with a number of top teams including Dynamos, CAPS United, Black Rhinos, and the now-defunct Shooting Stars, arrives in the Mashonaland West farming town of Chegutu, where expectations are high that Pirates could bounce back into the top-flight.

“Dzinza’’ as pirates are known by their legion of fans, were relegated from the elite league after just a one-season flirtation with the Premiership last year.

Now they believe that Chunga’s experience could come in handy on their quest to bounce back into the top players.

The club’s executive member, Savious Mangena, confirmed that Chunga has been tasked with leading the team back to the Premier Soccer League.

“We have reached an agreement with the legendary Chunga.

“The deal has been signed and sealed,’’ Mangena said.

The highly-rated Chunga acknowledged his new role at Chegutu Pirates.

“I have indeed joined Chegutu Pirates, and we will work hard to achieve positive results,’’ he said.

It will not be an easy ride for Chunga, however.

This is because the Pirates recently suffered an exodus of players.

Two players from Pirates, goalkeeper Sydney Mozeka and speedy winger Lewis Milanzi, have joined Bulawayo Chiefs following the appointment of Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe as the head coach of the Bulawayo side.

In addition, another Pirates goalkeeper, Tafadzwa Jabangwe, along with defenders Ruben Machaya and Rodwell Mhlanga, signed with the financially muscular Kwekwe-based side Hardrock.

Promising and young central defender Maxwell Manuvire has been recruited by ZPC Kariba, and defensive midfielder Reginald Ngazima is now at Triangle.