Online Reporter
Tinashe Mukono-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ONLY four players reported for Knowledge Marikebo’s first training session as Karoi United head coach.
He had inherited a first-team squad of 12, only two of whom had been regular starters, after an exodus that stripped the Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) side of its coach and several experienced players.
Karoi United had already travelled to matches with only 11 available players and were fighting to stay clear of relegation.
For Marikebo, this was his first opportunity to lead a team. It began with barely enough players to hold a proper training session.
“I am under no illusions about the task at hand. I was aware of this when I took on the job,” Marikebo told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“We are on a mission together to assemble a team that can compete.
“The important thing is that the club and community understand the predicament and we are not under any undue pressure.
“The plan is to survive relegation, reassemble and rebuild, and I am sure we are on course to achieve that target.”
Karoi United’s problems did not begin with Marikebo’s appointment.
Former coach Ndawana Dube left Karoi United for Marere FC with five players. He later moved to PAM FC, where he was joined by another six players from Karoi.
Several other players also left during the season.
Only a handful of those who remained, including Darrel Chakabva and Carlton Dube, had experience of the demands of the NRSL. The club have 28 points and need to rebuild confidence as much as their squad.
Marikebo has resisted using the upheaval as an excuse.
“We only have a few players who are familiar with the nature of this league, but we have no room for excuses,” he said.
For Marikebo, the scale of the task was part of the appeal.
After serving as an assistant at Black Mambas and Golden Eagles, he believed the time had come to lead a team of his own.
“I know it can either make or break me, but why be in football if you are not prepared to challenge yourself?” he said.
Marikebo is conscious of the anxiety within a community whose attachment to Karoi United extends beyond match day.
“I understand the anxiety and frustration of the community because the supporters probably know the issues better than I do,” he said. They are tied to this club beyond the 90 minutes.
“It has been a good welcome so far and my appeal is that we stay together and finish the season strongly.”
Earlier this year, Karoi United gave those supporters reason to celebrate when they lifted the Mashonaland West Uhuru Cup.
They held Premier Soccer League side ZPC Kariba to a goalless draw in Siakobvu before winning 5-4 on penalties.
Their immediate target is survival.
Karoi United must remain in Division One, rebuild their squad and restore stability.
While Marikebo’s first training session began with four players, his first season as a head coach will be judged by whether he can build a side capable of keeping Karoi United in the league.
Survival would not bring another trophy, but for a club that almost ran out of players and a coach in his first job in charge, it would feel like one.
