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WARRIORS head coach Kalisto Pasuwa and his entire technical team have bounced back to their posts barely two days after they were controversially shown the door.
There has been a backlash on Zifa following the controversial decision which all but threw the Warriors preparations for the 2016 African Nations Championships, to be held in Rwanda from 16 January into jeopardy.
Zifa president Phillip Chiyangwa announced the reinstatement of Pasuwa and company yesterday afternoon adding he had conferred with his vice-president Omega Sibanda over the development.
“I have conferred with the vice-president Omega Sibanda and all members of the executive committee. We have agreed that in the interest of the nation and the beautiful game, Kallisto Pasuwa and his entire technical team be reinstated with immediate effect,” said Chiyangwa in a statement to the association’s official website www.zifa.org.zw.
“Differences are normal in any institution but it is imperative for them to be solved in an amicable manner. Pasuwa is a very successful coach and undeniably one of the highly qualified coaches in the country.
“The association will inevitably render him necessary support as he prepares for the 2016 Chan finals. We are very confident that his wonderful exploits will bring success to our loving nation.”
Chiyangwa said Pasuwa was asked to return as part of Zifa’s reconciliation efforts.
However, when contacted for comment Pasuwa professed ignorance about his reinstatement.
“I’m hearing it from you. I have not been told anything. I never met with Edzai (Kasinauyo- Zifa board member). I am just fired, I am home,’’ said Pasuwa.
There had been concerted calls for Pasuwa’s reinstatement by the nation at large with the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Makhosini Hlongwane urging Zifa to nullify the changes that had been made to the technical staff.
Hlongwane urged Zifa to solve their differences with Pasuwa amicably as the coach has been very successful in his career with the national team adding the labour dispute should be resolved by negotiation.
He also questioned the wisdom of appointing a new technical team with only a few days left to participate in the finals of Chan 2016 in Rwanda saying this may derail the preparations of the Warriors since the new technical team will need time to acquaint itself with the task at hand.
Hlongwane said Zifa should note that Pasuwa and his technical team have given their all with unmatched dedication and commitment to national duty even without being paid for months by their employer. According to Zifa, the training camp resumes today and normal training sessions are expected to start tomorrow.
Online Reporter