adminNoel Munzwaba
WARRIORS assistant coach, Saul Chaminuka, who took over at Matsapha United has been charmed by the new role promising to be equal to the task at hand.
In his first interview on Tuesday after completing his second day of drilling the team, Chaminuka described Matsapha as a a�?dream soccer project for Africaa�?.
a�?I have worked with different teams for close to 20 years now but the set up here resembles a dream project for African soccer. This set up is ideal for football development and even in Zimbabwe we dona��t have such projects.
a�?My worry has been drawing a full squad on my first day of training since some of the players go to school first while some go to their respective work stations but I should be glad that we had almost a full house on Tuesday.
a�?From what I have seen so far from the players ita��s a workable situation and we will do with what we have until the next transfer window period which is January to possibly add to the identified gaps.
a�?I have good technical support among coaches willing to give what they have and much more willing to learn and together we can take this team forward benefiting the game, benefiting the players and possibly the country as well,a�? said Chaminuka.
The much travelled mentor arrived in Swaziland last Thursday afternoon, went through administrative issues before being whisked off to town on a mini shopping of what he required. Zimbabwe-born Green Mamba coach Hebert Maruwa took him to the weekenda��s Castle Premier Challenge Cup semi-final second legs played at Somhlolo National Stadium.
It is at Somhlolo National Stadium Chaminukaa��s record both as a coach and assistant to Calisto Pasuwa that he remains unbeaten having guided the Young Warriors to a 2-0 win over Sihlangu in an international friendly match in 2014.
He then returned as assistant with the Young Warriors for an Olympic qualifier in 2015 which ended 2-2 with Zimbabwe progressing courtesy of the away goals rule to meet South Africaa��s Amaglug Glug in the next round.
On Good Friday they laid a good foundation for their road to Africa Cup of Nations a�� Gabon with a 1-1 draw against Sihlangu and it is this knowledge that will probably give Chaminuka an opportunity to become the second successive Zimbabwe coach to win the NFD outrightly.
Just last season, Tarisai Chingara scored a marvelous run winning the NFD and ultimately promotion to premiership with Tambuti FC who he quit in a huff this week and Chaminuka said he will contact the young coach to share notes.
Meanwhile, Maruwa has tipped Chaminuka to settle well and achieve the given targets with ease.
a�?Saul is a good coach and he will definitely do well especially because National First Division doesna��t have much pressure as compared to premiership as long as you know what you are doing. We will definitely share notes,a�? said Maruwa. .
Online Reporter