Fear not, all is well: Bulawayo Chiefs’ coach

CASTLE Lager Premiership side Bulawayo Chiefs may have lost a number of key players but that is not a big issue for their returnee coach Thulani Sibanda.

The coach said the player exodus has not disturbed his pre-season preparations and was confident a stronger team will be assembled. Sibanda who comes in to replace Johanisi Nhumwa whose contract as head coach at Chiefs was not renewed at the end of last season, is building a completely new side.

The coach, in an interview with Zimpapers Sports Hub on Sunday, said he is in the process of building a formidable team that will compete to win and make history in the topflight league campaign.

Amakhosi Amahle parted ways with their captain Malvin Mkolo, creative midfielder Mthokozisi Msebe and attacker Billy Veremu to Simba Bhora.

Their star striker Obriel Chirinda has joined Ngezi Platinum. Other players that also left the Chiefs’ camp are veteran Danny Phiri, Kim Joe Sibanda, Mandlenkosi Gasela, Ben Nyahunzvi and Ayanda Ncube.

“Yes, the team lost most of the senior players but there is no reason to fear. The gap that has been left by those players will be filled. I am certain that we have found good replacements. We are in the process of finalising our squad and I have all the confidence we will not be fighting relegation as some are predicting,” said Sibanda.

The former Triangle coach says he is happy with his team’s pre-season preparations.

“Our preparations for the season are going on well. The players are showing great commitment and I am happy with what l have seen at training,” said Sibanda.

He also hinted on the club roping in former Highlanders and Bantu Rovers striker Bukhosi Sibanda into their fold.

“The striker has been training with us and I have been impressed with what I have seen. He has the experience that we need in the side given we will have most of the players in our squad coming from the lower divisions.

“Amakhosi Amahle”, as they are affectionately known, have retained the services of players such as Malvin Hativagoni, defender Panashe Shoko, midfielder Miguel Feldman and goalkeeper Tinotenda Chinovhiringa.

Sibanda, a coach with a Caf A diploma, is no stranger to the Chiefs, having previously led the team to significant achievements and demonstrating a deep understanding of the club’s ethos.

Before his return, Sibanda experienced a challenging stint at Triangle United departing four games before the season’s end due to unmet expectations, which ultimately saw the team’s relegation.

Despite these setbacks, Sibanda’s bond with the Chiefs remains unbroken as evidenced by his repeated comebacks to the team he first brought into the topflight league in 2018.

The previous season saw Amakhosi Amahle secure the 13th spot on the log table, a position they aim to improve upon despite financial hurdles faced in recent years, including player strikes over unpaid salaries.

The club’s leadership is confident in Sibanda’s ability to lead the team to success both on and off the field. – @innocentskizoe.