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Raymond Jaravaza
HIGHLANDERS assistant coach Mandla Mpofu could find himself out of the senior team technical setup if new gaffer Hendrik Pieter de Jongh has his wish to bring on board juniors coach Melusi “Mabaleka” Sibanda, sources at the Bulawayo giants have claimed.
De Jongh joined Bosso two weeks ago and has already presided over two impressive wins, the first against Dynamos in a Chibuku Cup tie and a league victory over city rivals Chicken Inn coupled with an away draw against Herentals in Harare.
But it’s his desire to bring in developmental side, Bosso90, coach Sibanda to replace Mpofu in the senior team set up that has reportedly rattled the Highlanders leadership.
“The new coach has already insinuated that he wants to replace Mpofu with Sibanda but the Highlanders executive are sceptical about that move as they believe that Pieter must first settle in before making radical changes.
“Remember the team is winning so the bosses feel rocking the boat so early into his tenure is not the wisest thing to do. One wonders why the new coach wants to replace Mpofu in the first team setup when the two have just started working together,” said our source. De Jongh took over a struggling Bosso that he found battling to weave away from the murky waters of relegation but the impressive results that he has posted so far are already winning the hearts of the Bosso faithful.
He is assisted by Mpofu and Bekithemba Ndlovu while Bosso90 coach Sibanda is expected to continue in his role of unearthing raw talent in the junior structures that will be gradually integrated into the senior in line with the broader vision of the club to produce home grown players.
Club chief executive officer Nhlanhla Dube was not available for comment.
Online Reporter