Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN a twist a few saw coming, Rodwell Dhlakama has returned to GreenFuel Football Club — just 14 months after his unceremonious exit, as the team’s head coach.
The surprise comeback, confirmed by the club on Monday, comes amid a disappointing run that has seen the Chisumbanje based side slump to 12th on the table with just one win in ten outings. Dhlakama replaces Taurai Mangwiro, who has been reassigned to a newly created role as Technical Director.
But this is no demotion, insists Club Chairman Fredson Moyo.
“Taurai has not been fired. We’ve elevated him in line with FIFA club licensing requirements. As Technical Director, he will oversee all technical and football matters, from junior to senior teams, men and women. This move is about structure, not crisis,” Moyo said.
It’s a major philosophical shift for Boys Dze Nharo, one that now seeks to blend immediate results with long term planning.
That shift includes bringing back the man they once let go.
“We looked at the market, and Roddy was available. He knows our environment, our values. He’s not just returning, he’s coming home,” Moyo added. “Based on statistics, he’s been our best coach since promotion.”
Dhlakama’s numbers back the claim.
In the 2023 season, he posted 11 wins, 7 draws, and 9 losses, guiding GreenFuel to a 10th place finish in their debut top flight campaign. Wins over Dynamos, Triangle (home and away), and Ngezi Platinum Stars highlighted a coach capable of big results.
But after managing just two wins in the opening eight games of 2024, he was sacked in April following a 3–0 loss to CAPS United. Ironically, that loss now seems a mere bump in a larger journey. In the interim, Mangwiro brought in seasoned talent, Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo, goalkeeper Ashley Rayners, and defender Robert Kwaramba. Yet the expected impact never materialised on the pitch. GreenFuel, bankrolled by one of Zimbabwe’s wealthiest projects, knows survival isn’t enough.
