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Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
HIGHLANDERS assistant coach, Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu is set to take over the reins at the club following the departure of Madinda Ndlovu for Botswana’s Gaborone United.
Ndlovu is serving his last day today. Impeccable sources at the club revealed Mpofu is taking over in an acting capacity although he is likely to see out the year in charge of Bosso’s technical team with the other assistant, Bekithemba “Super” Ndlovu retaining his position. The sources said with Mpofu having worked with Madinda for a year-and-a-half, they believe he has assimilated his philosophy and will be given the opportunity to implement it.
“It is something that happened within a short time (Madinda’s departure) hence in thinking about the replacement we realised it is best that we hand it over to Mandla, albeit in an acting capacity. We believe Beke and Mandla can see us through the year but obviously results will be monitored and if they are not satisfactory then we will make the necessary changes,” added the source.
The club released a statement on Friday announcing Madinda’s resignation pointing out that his last day of work will be today.
“We are particularly thankful that the work he (Madinda) has done in assembling a predominantly young and competitive squad will see the club grow in strength and achieve many great and memorable accolades now and in the near future.
“We are pleased that he leaves behind a rejuvenated institutional philosophy that has been inculcated in the playing and coaching staff,” read the statement, indicating the club’s desire to ensure they continue with the path laid down by Khathazile.
The club had set a target of achieving second place this season with Madinda stating after the first game of the season they were going all out for the title.
However, the season unravelled with the side struggling to win matches and Madinda leaves the team sitting on position 13, two points above the relegation zone with 14 points from 12 games.
Meanwhile, Ndlovu attended his last training session yesterday then addressed a Press conference at the Bosso offices.
He said he was leaving Bosso because his salary at the club could no longer sustain him and his family.
“Highlanders have managed to keep their part of the bargain and they are paying me the amount we agreed on but unfortunately the past year has seen changes in the country’s economic fundamentals that have resulted in high inflation that eroded the amount I am being paid.
“I am a family man with obligations to meet hence when a better offer came up I could not resist it. With a club like ours that is reliant on sponsors you understand that we cannot be going back to them every other month, every two weeks, asking for an increase to match inflation, it’s impossible,” said the Bosso legend.
Online Reporter