daniel chigunwe
Langton Nyakwenda
Sports Reporter
LONG-serving coach, Ikabort Masocha, has been handed the audacious task of steering Harare City back into the Premier Soccer League.
The veteran gaffer was appointed yesterday and replaces Herbert “Jompano” Marowa, who joined top-flight side TelOne last month.
Newsome Mutema had held forte on a caretaker basis at City until last weekend when he tendered his resignation in the aftermath of the Sunshine Boys’ goalless draw against lowly Karoi United at the weekend.
Mutema was Marowa’s assistant before the latter left the Northern Region Soccer League side.
Masocha is no stranger to Division One football having been involved in the game for over two decades.
“Harare City is delighted to announce the appointment of Ikabort Masocha as new head coach, while everything else in the technical team remains unchanged,” read the statement.
Masocha has coached several clubs in the lower leagues and is highly regarded in the coaching fraternity.
Some clubs he has coached include Shabanie Mine, Beta XI, Douglas Warriors and DSTV Rangers.
Masocha also had a stint in Swaziland, where he took charge of Manzini Wanderers and Mbabane Citizens among other teams.
“With a proven track record of success and a wealth of experience, Masocha is set to bring a new level of expertise and leadership to our team.
“We are confident that under Masocha’s guidance, our team will continue to excel and achieve great success this season,” said the club.
Harare City, who recently reshuffled their executive, are targeting a return to the top-flight league but faces stiff competition from Black Rhinos and MWOS.
The Sunshine Boys relinquished the top spot to new log leaders Black Rhinos, who have 24 points and one above them while MWOS are third.
Harare City were relegated from the Premier Soccer League in 2022, having spent 10 years in the elite division.
During their time in the PSL, Harare City won the Chibuku Super Cup in 2015 and 2017.
They came close to winning the Premiership title in 2013 when they finished with the same number of points as Highlanders and eventual champions, only to be undone by an inferior goal difference.
All three top teams garnered 54 points in that season.
Between 2012 and 2022, Harare City allowed several footballers including Silas Songani and Tinotenda Kadewere who ended up at Swedish clubs before their careers leaped each for better sides.
Kadewere would go on to play for Ligue 1 side Le Havre before signing for French giants Olympic Lyon.
Tendai Samanja, Chrispen Dickson, Martin Vengesayi, William Manondo, Hastings Chapusha, Maxwell Nyamupangedengu, Nathan Ziwini, Jerry Chipangura, and Tafadzwa Dube are some of the notable players who turned out for Harare City.
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