adminBruce Chikuni
NORMADIC coach, Rodwell Dhlakama, has been appointed as the new head coach of Green Fuel. Dhlakama, who was previously unattached after leaving South Africa’s Motsepe Foundation Championship side Black Leopards in February, replaces Bekithemba Ndlovu and technical director, Lloyd Mutasa.
Dhlakama has already stated that his aim is to survive relegation amidst rumours of major changes on the horizon at the club.
Dhlakama will be the club’s third coach after just six fixtures in the Castle Lager Premiership.
Mutasa guided the team into the top-flight league with a 26-match unbeaten run in the ZIFA Eastern Region Division One League only to be relieved of his duties after losing 0-1 to Yadah Stars in their opening fixture.
His assistant Ndlovu was elevated, but to no success. Ndlovu got just two points out of a possible 15 points.
Reports suggest that Dhlakama, who signed a one-year deal, will bring his own backroom staff.
Dhlakama said his objective is to survive relegation as he will only be allowed to sign five players in the mid-season break.
Defender, Eric Chipeta, is believed to have already been deregistered.
“I’m happy with this appointment. Green Fuel is a good project which has the capacity to compete with the country’s best teams.
“But, considering where I’m coming from, I will have to be honest with myself because the only realistic goal we can achieve at the moment is to survive relegation.
“Anything beyond this will be a bonus, but we are going to try our best to win as many games as possible with the players at my disposal,” said Dhlakama.
“The players have a huge role to play in completing the turnaround which we are hoping for.
“They need to believe in their ability for this goal to be attained because I believe it’s not too late. We still have our destiny in our own hands.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter