adminQuestions have resurfaced about Chitembwe’s working relationship with his boss, Sean Connor, amid reports they had fallen out over controversial striker Evans Gwekwerere.
But Chitembwe insisted yesterday that everything was in order and the challenges they were facing were normal issues related to running a football team.
Chitembwe addressed yesterday’s weekly media conference, but Connor who usually speaks at the Press briefing, was conspicuous by his absence.
However, the Northern Irishman said he had given Chitembwe the blessings to address the media and the club’s leadership also revealed last night that the cracks, which had appeared on Monday, had been mended.
Connor told The Herald last night that he was the one who mandated Chitembwe to address the media because he wanted to remain at the training ground working with the players.
While the first team squad players have been given a rest, Gwekwerere is training with the fringe players and Chitembwe dismissed reports that the forward was quitting the club.
Gwekwerere told H-Metro on Wednesday that he was leaving the Green Machine.
Interestingly, the striker was one of the people who had been earmarked to address the media conference yesterday, but did not pitch up with the rest of the teammates.
Instead, former captain, Nyasha Mukumbi, and midfielder, Marvel Samaneka, addressed the media.
Chitembwe said they felt “it wasn’t appropriate for him (Gwekwerere) to turn up at this presser in the wake of media reports that came out that the striker is on his way out.”
“I don’t think Evans signed a contract with some sections of the media,” said Chitembwe.
“He is still part of CAPS United and has been training. I feel for him and it is difficult to concentrate with so much negativity around.
“Even the media is not playing its part, that of trying to protect the special talent.
“There is no template that every player or Evans must play. He has started five games and I think it’s enough.”
Chitembwe also dismissed reports that he had fallen out with Connor.
“I don’t know how many times we have been fighting in the media,” said Chitembwe.
“As far as I am concerned such things don’t exist and I don’t know where it is coming from.
“Problems at CAPS United are imaginary and people tend to magnify everything.
“This is one stage where we thought it was important for the club to focus on the game.”
The Green Machine will not be active this weekend as their Harare Derby against Dynamos has been postponed as the league champions would be involved in continental inter-club football assignments.
Chitembwe revealed they won’t go shopping when the transfer window opens next week.
“After talking to the management, I am sure we have good players and we are satisfied with the team and only Shingi (Kawondera) is certain to be part of the group,” said Chitembwe.
“We have Clive (Kawinga), we have Washy (Pakamisa) and we are happy. They are doing what they are mandated to do and have also been contributing
defensively.
“This group of players is the best, they are gifted and you can see the desire of wanting to win and that is very important.
“Just the (recent) results will tell you the amount of work they have invested and they deserve the break and will come back energised and focused.”
Fixtures
Tomorrow: Black Mambas v Gunners (Morris Depot), Monomotapa v FC Platinum (Gwanzura) Sunday Highlanders v Harare City (Barbourfields), Hardbody v Blue Rangers (Ascot), Buffaloes v Quelaton (Sakubva), Shabanie Mine v Chicken Inn (Maglas), Hwange v Motor Action (Colliery)
Postponed: Dynamos v CAPS United
Online Reporter