Predecessor succeeds successor at Mbabane Citizens

Noel Munzambwa

ONCE beaten twice shy goes the adage but not so for one Zimbabwe-born soccer coach Ikabort Masocha who on Tuesday was headed back to MTN National First Division outfit Mbabane Citizens for his second shy session succeeding his successor Hebert Maruwa who quit the club last Friday.

Maruwa who had succeeded Masocha after a three-match winning start, quit the club to join Black Rhinos reportedly on a three-year contract, leaving Citizens to opt for a�?better the devil you know than the angel you dona��t knowa�� hence recalling their former coach.

Masocha confirmed contact with Citizens on the possible return but the sticking point was the money he is owed from his brief tenure but was more than willing to make a return.

a�?Yes, they have been in touch inviting me back but we still have to clear the issue of what I am owed from my brief attachment to the club but once that is done I will be travelling back to Swaziland to resume duties,a�? said Masocha when contacted on Sunday.

However, a source close to developments on Monday indicated that Masocha was already on his way back to Swaziland where he was due to arrive on Tuesday night ahead of Mbabane Citizens SMVAF Ingwenyama Cup quarter-final tie against giant killing Milling Hot Spurs set for Somhlolo National Stadium on Saturday.

Masocha drilled the team during the pre-season before taking charge during the first three league matches which were convincingly won but the moment he left for Zimbabwe to attend to his wife who had been admitted to hospital in Harare the club quickly engaged Maruwa.

Maruwa then took charge of the next nine league matches and two cup games, winning eight matches and drawing three, guiding the team to the pole of the log standings with 30 points and taking them to the quarter-finals of what could be the only all-inclusive cup tournament.

According to Swazi media, club director Bheki Simelane confirmed recalling Masocha.

a�?We have recalled Masocha to help us till the end of the season after he had left us on mutual consent due to some family issues. We expect him to arrive in the country to start drilling the team in preparation for our next match,a�? he told the Swazi Observer.a�� @NoelMunzabwa