No hard feelings: Chuma

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Acting Sports Editor
OUTGOING Highlanders goalkeepers’ coach Tembo “Chokri” Chuma says he has no hard feelings about leaving the Bulawayo giants after serving the Mbada Diamonds Cup winners for two years.Chuma and assistant coach Bekithemba “Super” Ndlovu’s contracts will not be renewed when they expire at the end of this month with the club having already roped in legendary goalkeeper Peter “Captain Oxo” Nkomo and former juniors coach Mark Mathe.

While the executive is choosing to be diplomatic about the issue, the writing was always on the wall for Ndlovu who took charge of the team when Highlanders were mauled by Harare City last month in the absence of head coach Kelvin Kaindu who was in the United Kingdom for a Uefa B coaching course.

Bosso were torn to shreds by a Silas Songani led Harare City that saw them drilling four goals without reply past Munyaradzi Diya in goals for Highlanders. Never mind the fact that Songani, believed to be eyeing a move to Emagumeni, was on song that day.

“I really have no hard feelings my brother; I have done my part and now its time to move on. However, I feel a third year at this great club would really have been a bonus for me,” said Chuma who hails from remote Binga.

Chuma, who played for Kango in Division One, is a qualified coach himself having led Masvingo United to the Eastern Region Division One championship.

He was mum on his future but speculation is rife that he might retrace his footsteps to Masvingo United or join newly promoted ZPC (Kariba).

During his tenure at Highlanders, Chuma had two goalkeepers gracing the prestigious Castle Lager Premiership Soccer Stars of the Year calendar, a rare feat by any standard.

Last year Ariel Sibanda was the Goalkeeper of the Year as well as part of the 11 Soccer Stars and this season, the agile Munyaradzi Diya was selected as one of the best players. He stood a chance of being the Goalkeeper of the Year until that terrible Sunday at Rufaro Stadium. Even then many still rank him as the safest hands in the league.

However, Chuma’s critics argue that Sibanda was always a national team goalkeeper from the juniors and hence was not mentored by Chuma.