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Noel Munzabwa
DARLINGTON Dodo is settling in well at MTN Premier League of Eswatini outfit, Manzini Sundowns just a month into his new job.
In a brief interview recently, the former Bulawayo City mentor said he had to take it within strides as this was his first appointment in Eswatini but hea��s eager to have a taste of the game in this absolute mountainous kingdom.
a�?When I came here I first wanted to make my own assessment as I was not ready for relocation. Upon my arrival and a series of meetings I was appointed head coach at Manzini Sundowns, my first ever job in this country.
a�?I initially thought I was going to struggle but with the help of Tarisai (Changara) I started to settle well and I am looking forward to the new challenge and the new season. I pray we come up with a very competitive outfit,a�? said Dodo.
Unfortunately his new side has not been hand-picked for this yeara��s season opening Eswatini Postal and Telecommunications Corporation Charity Shield which got underway with preliminary knock-out playoffs a fortnight ago and reaches the anti-climax final grand stage this weekend.
Ironically this is the last piece of silverware Manzini Sundowns last bagged on a double in 2011/ 12 and 2012 /13 seasons and ever since the trophy cabinet could be accumulating dust and the past years have been characterised by near misses.
Sundownsa�� insatiable appetite for Zimbabwe born coaches and players continued in July when the hub city-based MTN Premier League of Eswatini settled for former Bulawayo City coach, Dodo as their new coach replacing interim much travelled gaffer Zenzele Ace Dlamini.
Dodo reportedly penned a two-year performance based contract in which he is expected to shine the sun on the Ikapa Boys who last tasted cup glory six-and-a-half years ago when the then Rodwell Dhlakama-coached team picked a Swazi Telcom Charity Cup double on the trot.
Dodo, 47, has been a Caf A Licence holder since February last year. He won the 2009 Premier League title with Gunners FC back home. He was once appointed Zimbabwe national Under-23 assistant coach.
He also assisted the legendary Madinda Ndlovu during the senior national teama��s African Nations Championship campaign in Sudan.A� Between 2012 and 2013, he was coaching Botswana giants Township Rollers.
Dodo had an unsuccessful stint at Bulawayo City, lasting just 8 leagues matches with a single win on Week One a�� 1-0 over Chapungu, a 2-2 draw against city rivals Bulawayo Chiefs in Week Two before going on a six match losing streak.
It was after the 1-2 defeat to Dynamos on the 29th of April that Dodo literally a�?dismissed himselfa�? by staying put in Harare, evading the pending axe and Amini Soma Phiri was to replace him. . .
Online Reporter