malvernmugadzikwa
Online Reporter
MAYBE it’s because they share the same first name, or theirs is just a mutual relationship developed over years of working in the same trenches.
Whatever it is, British-born coach Mark Harrison and Zimbabwean gaffer Mark Mathe have a special relationship.
The duo worked together at CAPS United and Harare City in Zimbabwe’s top-flight league, when Mathe deputised Harrison, and now they have reunited in Mozambique.
Harrison was recently appointed the new head coach at Mocambola League giants UD Songo.
He then roped in Mathe as his trusted lieutenant.
“It’s been a while since I worked with Mark (Mathe), but I have worked with him at two different clubs.
“He knows exactly how I work; he knows what I require as a coach and he delivers,” Harrison told The Sunday Mail Online from his new base.
Harrison chose Mathe as his assistant when he was appointed CAPS United coach in 2015.
The pair were also together at Harare City in 2018 and guided the Sunshine Boys to the Chibuku Super Cup final, which they lost to Triangle at Gibbo Stadium.
“I am looking forward to us working together again. I am hoping we will be successful together.
“He (Mathe) is a good coach. He has a good demeanour with players.
“I have worked with a lot of different coaches in Africa but I get on well with Mark. It was easy for me to get along well with him.
“He also has a CAF A licence as well, which was a requirement here,” added Harrison.
The nomadic Briton joins UD Songo from Malawian top-flight side Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, having also coached at Golden Arrows and Black Leopards in South Africa.
Harrison also had gigs at Township Rollers in Botswana and Gor Mahia in Kenya.
“This is my first time in Mozambique and I am looking forward to the job; it should be an interesting gig.
“Our expectations are high and we want to win the league championship.”
UD Songo are based in the Tete Province of Mozambique and have won the Mocambola title on three occasions — 2017, 2018 and 2022.
He still follows the local Castle Lager Premier Soccer League and is not ruling out a return, “because you never know what happens in football”.
“I still check who is doing what and who is doing well in Zimbabwe. You never know, one day I might come back to Zimbabwe.”
Online Reporter