adminmatch-fixing scandal.
Shabanie vice-chairman Fidelis Chimedza said yesterday they could only open negotiations with Masomere for a new deal after the Zifa appeals committee has dealt with the coach’s appeal.
“We had a contract with Masomere but it expired on the December 31, last year, and as things stand he is not our coach. We know he was banned for two years on Asiagate dealings and we are waiting for the appeals committee to hear his case and maybe then we might open negotiations with him for a new contract but we have since appointed Arnold (Jani) on an interim basis”, said Chimedza.
Masomere, however, has a contract with the asbestos miners as he is a full-time employee. If he is does not sign a new contract he will continue working as a welfare officer for Shabanie Mine.
The former Amazulu, Masvingo United and Dynamos coach was engaged in 2011 and managed to save Shabanie from relegation last season.
Masomere last year, helped the miners to a top five finish but his season ended prematurely when he was banned for his alleged involvement in the Asiagate scam.
The outspoken coach together with his CAPS United counterpart Taurai Mangwiro and Motor Action goalkeepers mentor Emmanuel Nyahuma, were among the individuals who immediately bore the brunt of the Asiagate bans because they are plying their trade on the domestic front.
Zifa’s Asiagate bans are only affecting those in the local game at least until Fifa decide on whether or not to endorse the sanctions and give them a worldwide effect.
With Masomere still on the sidelines, Jani will be assisted by Phillip Sithole, to prepare Shabanie for the start of the Premiership season which bursts into life over the Easter weekend.
Shabanie also made some changes to their executive with Chimedza opting to take up the less demanding role of vice-chairman.
“I am a councillor, I run a business and I also have a farm to take care of.
“I do not want to disadvantage the club so its better for me to work as a vice-chairman which is less challenging and I have also retired from the mine,’ Chimedza said.
Pathius Shoko, who has been a staunch Shabanie Mine fan since his days in Beitbridge, was finally rewarded after he landed the post of club administrator.
The other members are Mutsva Chitoro, Henry Moyo, Joseph Zimuto, Maxwell Gwena, Dumisani Mahwite, Cain Sibanda, and Fortune Chirongoma, who are all committee members.
Gift Rupiya retained the treasurer’s post while Greg Mataka remains the club president and Obed Dube the patron.
Chimedza, however, bemoaned lack of sponsorship and blamed his executive for failing to properly manage things last season when Vadette Trading was their main sponsor.
“I would like to admit that there are things we failed to do as an executive, but I am very grateful to Vadette Trading and Obed Dube for their support. They gave us uniforms, training equipment, balls, accommodation and food for all our away matches .
“They also paid the coach’s salary among other things. I am appealing to Vadette to come back and be with us again,” Chimedza said. Vadette Trading organised a half-year awards ceremony last season for Shabanie Mine.
It’s still not yet established why they pulled out and a number of fans are appealing to them to have a change of heart and assist the team.
This week a number of players expressed interest in joining Shabanie but the club maintains that their focus for 2013 will be on youth.
Online Reporter