Hwange mulls recalling ex-coaches

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
STRUGGLING Hwange Football Club yesterday contemplated recalling their re-assigned former assistant coach Brian Njobvu to sit on the bench for the match against Buffaloes at the Colliery tomorrow after their head and assistant coaches both took up national duty call-ups.

Another former player and coach David Phiri, now a club committee member, is being considered as well since goalkeepers’ coach Chenjerai Dube reportedly does not have the requisite minimum requirements to sit on the bench.

Head coach, Nation Dube is in Cameroon with the Zimbabwe’s Young Warriors for the crucial second leg of the African Games qualifier while assistant coach Mebelo Njekwa is also on national duty with the Zimbabwe Mighty Warriors who are seeking qualification for the same tournament at the expense of Ghana. Both matches are set for tomorrow.

According to the Zimbabwe Soccer Coaches Association, a Caf qualification and a local Level Four coaching certificate are required for a Premier League coach. Dube is said to be a Level Two certificate holder.

Acting Hwange secretary general Zifiso Moyo said consultations were still ongoing yesterday while club administrator, Khumbulani Mbano is said to have written a letter to Zifa asking for the release of Njekwa from the Mighty Warriors camp to come and take charge. The request, however, is unlikely to succeed as the Mighty Warriors are involved in a very crucial qualification match.

“We have been seized with this matter for a while now. We are contemplating on recalling our former assistant coach Njobvu or even asking Phiri to assist since he has the experience,” said Moyo.

Chipangano’s season started off badly and it has continued to deteriorate steadily with some sections of the supporters blaming Estates manager Perekai Mapanga, whose department the Hwange Colliery Company sponsored team falls under, for the problems after he summarily made changes to the technical team without consultations following a 5-2 loss to fired up Triangle United in Chipangano’s first game of the season.

Week Five fixtures:

Today: ZPC Kariba v Dongo Sawmill (Gwanzura Stadium), How Mine v Harare City (Luveve Stadium), FC Platinum v Chicken Inn (Mandava Stadium)

Sunday: Dynamos v Flame Lily (Gwanzura Stadium), Triangle United v Caps United (Gibbo Stadium), Highlanders v Chapungu (Barbourfields Stadium), Hwange v Buffaloes (Colliery Stadium), Whawha v Tsholotsho (Ascot Stadium).