admin
Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
RODWELL DHLAKAMA has become the first coach to part with his Premiership club this term after resigning from Green Fuel last night. The veteran coach had been asked to sign a four-game ultimatum from which he was supposed to collect at least nine points.
But the former Ngezi Platinum Stars decided against committing to that arrangement and instead resigned from his post as the club’s head coach.
The Lowveld team management was increasingly becoming frustrated with somewhat poor results the club has been posting.
And the 3-0 hammering at the hands of CAPS United at Rufaro on Thursday triggered what appeared to be an uncomfortable arrangement for Dhlakama.
The coach didn’t give out much last night when contacted, so did a member of the club’s executive who declined to be named.
“Yes, I have just resigned from my post,” said Dhlakama. At this point, I can’t say much.”
He has left together with his assistant Darlington Dodo following a meeting between the management and the coaches last night.
This is despite the fact that Green Fuel were looking strong and have already accumulated nine points, just six behind log leaders Highlanders.
Green Fuel host Arenel Movers in Chisumbanje tomorrow with goalkeepers’ coach Innocent Chogugudza expected to lead them into that battle.
Dhlakama inherited the team from Bekithemba Ndlovu after eight games last year when the team was swimming deep in relegation zone. He then steered the ship to a 10th place finish with 45 points, just eight points from Bosso who finished fourth. Green Fuel also later confirmed the coach’s departure via a statement last night.
“Green Fuel Football Club has parted ways with head coach Rodwell Dhlakama and assistant coach Darlington Dodo.
“The mutual separation is with immediate effect and has been influenced by the team’s performance so far in the 2024 season. The separation is in the best interests of Green Fuel Football Club and the coaches.
“The club wishes to express its gratitude to the services provided by the Coach Dhlakama and Coach Dodo for their accomplishment during the 2023 season by steering the team from the real possibility of relegation.
“The club wishes the coaches the best in their next assignments,’’ read the statement. Green Fuel also confirmed former Chapungu mentor Chogugudza’s appointment, as the interim coach.
It also emerged last night that Green Fuel management were lining up ex-Triangle coach Taurai Mangwiro to replace Dhlakama. Ironically Mangwiro also replaced Dhlakama at the now defunct Monomotapa in 2009.
Green Fuel are also understood to have had initial talks with Dutchman Pieter De Jongh and will now have to weigh their options and decide between Mangwiro and him.
“Goalkeepers’ coach Innocent Chogugudza will be the new coach in the interim. The new technical team will be announced in due course,’’ the club said.
Online Reporter
dyton mupawaenda