Ntini shot out of Stars

By Eddie Chikamhi
GISHON NTINI was sacked by Shooting Stars yesterday as coaches started to pay the price for a slow start in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign.
Ntini was shown the exit door in the wake of Shooting Stars’ 5-2 defeat at the hands of Moses Chunga’s CAPS United at Rufaro on Sunday.
Shooting Stars secretary-general Wellington Takavarasha yesterday said Ntini, who had rejoined the side during the off-season after replacing Rodwell Dhlakama, was initially given six games to prove himself.
But the campaign got off to a poor start for Ntini and his charges who lost 2-0 to cash-rich side FC Platinum at Maglas last week.
Takavarasha yesterday said the Wild Boys were not prepared for more bad results before taking action following Sunday’s battering by Makepekepe, which Ntini blamed on biased officiating by Mutare referee Robert Magorosa.
“We have a very good side on paper which is capable of winning matches against any team in the Premiership but, somehow, it seems we are lacking on the technical aspect.
“For that reason we sat down as the executive to discuss the way forward following the weekend results and it was agreed that we cannot wait any longer to take this action.
“It is unacceptable that we are still on zero while most of the teams are already off the mark. By the time we try to catch up it will be late.
“Therefore we reached a consensus that Ntini’s services as technical director are no longer required at the club and has been relieved of his duties,” said Takavarasha.
The Wild Boys are now running around to hunt for the head of the technical team and former head coach Lazarus Magaya, who had quit his post last week, is tipped to return to the side.
Ntini sat on the bench with the assistance of injured midfielder Mtshumayeli Moyo as he watched his side crash to an embarrassing defeat on Sunday.
The Green Machine were 5-0 up mid-way through the second half courtesy of goals from Simba Sithole, David Rediyoni, Evans Gwekwerere and a brace from Pride Tafirenyika.
But newboy Silas Chihota and midfielder Sam Gadzikwa helped reduce the arrears.
Takavarasha said the Wild Boys’ executive were not amused by the statements made by Ntini in the post match interview. He said Ntini should accept responsibility for his ‘failures’.
“There was no point in blaming the referee to the extent of labeling him ‘man of the match’ when we had clearly lost the game.
“We don’t condone such sarcastic statements, which are meant to demean the officials.
“Of course we played well but it was clear we were beaten by CAPS because of our technical shortcomings,” said Takavarasha.
Meanwhile, Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane reports that Shabanie Mine coach Saul Chaminuka and his lieutenants have been fired after just two games following a poor start to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Club president Ray Munangwa said Shabanie have also dissolved the executive led by Wilfred Makazhe.
“In my capacity as the HR executive and president of the club I would like to apologise to the Zvishavane Community and our fans for the disappointment of losing to a small club like Chicken Inn. They deserve better than what they were given today (Sunday)
“AA Mines management has seen it fit to take action for the good of the supporters, fans and the community. The decision we have taken is very unusual and it is for the good of the people’s team,” said Munangwa.
He revealed that the team’s management had been sacked.
“We have rested the entire technical staff . . . the entire executive with immediate effect. It is our hope that by taking such an action the fortunes of the team will change.
“It is not my job as club president to appoint coaches but I appoint the executive which in turn appoints the coach.”
Munangwa was hopeful that a new coach would be appointed today ahead of the team’s trip for a date against red-hot CAPS United at Rufaro this weekend.
“We have the interests of the team at heart. As shareholders we have seen it fit to do it and we are starting afresh on a new ground. We value our fans so much and that is why we have taken such measures. Shabanie does not belong to the bottom but we are the cream of Zimbabwean football and that’s why we have intervened and also apologising to our beloved fans.”
Sources say Elvis Muuya, Gerald Phiri or Misheck Banda could be thrust into the hot seat. Club chairman Wilfred Makazhe was also given the boot.
The other executive members fired were Malon Gundugwa (treasurer) Chengetai Phiri (logistics) Fidelis Chimedza (committee member) and Mapange Shava who was the team manager.
The former vice-chairman of the club Paul Kavalo and committee members Ackim Khan, Clever Pote and Sammy Kapasuka resigned last season and they are still to be replaced.

Chaminuka had never endeared himself to the Zvishavane fans.
A defeat to Highlanders saw pressure mounting on Chaminuka while the 2-0 loss to Chicken Inn at Maglas sparked a riot and was the final straw.
Munangwa said Mazhande’s executive had failed to co-exist with FC Platinum.
“I want to see Shabanie Mine fans rallying behind FC Platinum when they are playing at home and not to support the visiting team.”