adminLovemore Zigara Midlands Sports Correspondent
SHABANIE Mine coach John Phiri has quit the club following its relegation from the Premiership to the Central Soccer League. Phiri’s assistant Arnold Jani will take charge of the team as it prepares for life in the second tier division where it will kick off its campaign with a match against Mwenezi based, FC Maranda.
The former FC Platinum and Town United coach, Phiri returned to Shabanie Mine at the beginning of last season.
Shabanie Mine started well before losing seven first team players during the mid-season break, a situation which negatively impacted on the team’s performance.
The Shabanie Mine executive roped in Jairos Tapera as technical director in a bid to save the team but all was in vain.
Phiri said he would wait for offers from other clubs which might be interested in his services.
“It’s true that we parted ways with Shabanie Mine and I wish them the best in Division One where I hope they will do well to return to the Premiership.
“At the moment I’m unattached and will be looking for clubs that have the right offers so that I return to what I know best, which is coaching,” he said.
The former Mhangura and Shabanie Mine midfielder said he was looking forward to offers from clubs in the Premiership.
Meanwhile, Jani has announced that he is eyeing a quick return to the Premiership with the Chinda Boys.
“We will be starting our pre-season training very soon and we are roping in talented youngsters in the team and we hope to win the Zifa Central Soccer League championship and return where we belong which is the Premiership,” he said.
The CSL is expected to start on the first weekend of April.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu